NFL Free Agency Rumors 2017: Eagles, Colts Chasing Bears’ Alshon Jeffery?

The rebuilding Chicago Bears entered 2017’s free agency period with more than $54 million in salary cap space and hopes of using at least some of that room to keep Pro Bowl receiver Alshon Jeffery. But, even as talks with the top receiver go on, the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts have reportedly made big pushes to sign the 27-year-old pass-catcher, the NFL Networked reported Thursday.

Jeffery, an unrestricted free agent after Chicago slapped the franchise tag on him last year for roughly $14.5 million, was widely considered one of the best players available during free agency this spring and stated last week he wanted to sign with a contender. That could rule the struggling Bears out as they have yet to resolve their situation at quarterback and have other needs on both sides of the ball.

Jeffery could also have sought a major pay increase comparable to the rest of the NFL’s elite receivers. Given how much he made last season, Jeffery could be seeking a base salary like the Cowboys’ Dez Bryant ($13 million) or that of Atlanta’s Julio Jones at $11.5 million for next season.

Over five seasons, Jeffery’s totaled 304 receptions for 4,549 yards and 26 touchdowns, eclipsing more than 1,100 yards during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. But Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hasn’t been very consistent and Jeffery’s dealt with injuries of his own as well as a suspension for the last four games of 2016 for a positive performance-enhancing drug test.

The Eagles, with young quarterback Carson Wentz, would be an interesting destination for Jeffery. However, Philadelphia just Tuesday came to terms with veteran wide out Torrey Smith on a three-year, $15 million deal that ate up $5 million of cap space. The Eagles also released defensive end Connor Barwin, which would free up some space to sign Jeffery. Currently, though, Philadelphia has only $14.9 million in space, according to Spotrac.

The Colts may have been a better situation for Jeffery if he wanted to be paired with a more established quarterback like Andrew Luck. Though he dealt with major injuries last season, Luck is widely considered one of the best young passers in the league and Indianapolis had far more cap space to spend on Jeffery and others. Spotrac listed the Colts’ space at $52.8 million, enough to sign Jeffery and perhaps add more help for Luck on his offensive line.