Alshon Jeffery Clarified Who's To Blame for Him Leaving

For months now GM Ryan Pace has endured constant scrutiny among the Chicago Bears media and fan base over allowing Alshon Jeffery to escape via free agency. How could he let that happen when he knew the team wasn't rich in wide receivers to begin with? To date it's considered the biggest misjudgment of his tenure with the team. So here's the $64,000 question. Was it really his fault? It was reported for over a year that the Bears and Jeffery's agent were negotiating a possible long-term contract. Time and again they were unable to reach an agreement. Eventually it became clear Jeffery wasn't going to budge. So Pace had a decision to make. Does he let him test the market or does he use the franchise tag for the second-straight year? Pace chose the former. Jeffery entered free agency and eventually signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles for $9.5 million. Considering the constant indicators he wanted to get paid like a top five receiver, this was a shock. It also was an undeniable sign:  Jeffery always intended to leave.

Alshon Jeffery wanted out of Chicago and the Bears didn't force the issue

Finally after months of questioning, Jeffery had a chance to set the record straight with the Bears traveling to Philadelphia. His answer to the question of why he left was simple, straightforward and a window into where his priorities always were.

“Business is business,” Jeffery said Wednesday by conference call. “I think it was just a better decision for me and my family, honestly. I spent five years there. love it there. had a great time. I appreciate the opportunity. Me being in Chicago gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of playing a professional sport.”

That statement paints a clear picture. Jeffery wanted to get paid and his decision to accept an almost fully guaranteed deal from the Eagles says that's still his aim. Also he was tired of losing. In five seasons Jeffery never experienced playoff football in Chicago. Barring a huge collapse he's going to do so his first year in Philly. In essence Jeffery was intent on leaving this off-season. Only a huge contract would've convinced him to stay. After two years of being unreliable due to injuries and suspension, that was a deal Pace was unwilling to make. So rather than keep Jeffery against his will with the tag and create a potential locker room problem, the Bears chose to let him walk. Would doing so have changed the outcome of this 2017 season for them? It's hard to believe that would be the case. Hindsight is always 20/20 though.