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2017 NFL Free Agents: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Market’s Buzzing Names
- Updated: January 4, 2017
While the onset of the NFL playoffs has arrived, and many have turned an eye to the upcoming draft, the underrated monster of the offseason boils just underneath the surface—the rumor mill.
Free agency, as always, remains a key cog of the NFL machine and features some notable faces this year with several star wide receivers among the bountiful ranks.
With rookies like Dak Prescott carrying teams to playoff berths, the market might not seem like the most important factor around anymore. On the contrary, though, more and more teams continue to use the market as a complementary piece to a core of draft selections.
As such, now is a great time to start digging into what the rumor mill has to offer.
Alshon Jeffery
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Chicago Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery is one of the biggest names headed to market this offseason.
He hasn’t hit 1,000 yards in either of his last two seasons because he hasn’t stayed healthy, playing in nine games in 2015 and 12 in 2016. In 2013 and 2014, though, he went for more than 2,550 combined yards and scored 17 total touchdowns.
The trick for a would-be suitor is keeping Jeffery on the field. The allure of his upside with a stable, quality quarterback situation on a winning team might help him reach contract numbers most wouldn’t dare project.
After he has played on a struggling team for years, it makes sense the South Carolina product will explore the market, if allowed. So goes the report from ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson: “Jeffery could test free agency unless the Bears apply the franchise tag again. Jeffery is expected to strongly explore all options if Chicago allows him to test the market.”
But only if the Bears let Jeffery hit the market.
It’s fun to think about Jeffery joining the New England Patriots and catching passes from Tom Brady. Or maybe he’ll stick in the division like many players seem to do and join Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers.
In reality, though, it’s hard to imagine the Bears let Jeffery get away. The team looks headed for a rookie quarterback with a top-five selection. Giving the offense’s best weapon …
