The Chicago Bears face a serious dilemma going into 2017. Despite having notable problems at quarterback and in the secondary, another big one threatens to open up this coming March. That involved productive wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. To this point the team hasn't been able to reach a long-term agreement with the 26-year old. If they fails to do so by the 9th of that month, it's likely he'll leave via free agency.
Despite his considerable hiccups the past two years with injury and suspension problems, Jeffery is still the most dynamic receiver they have. Losing him would be tough to get over. GM Ryan Pace is no fool. He'll need alternatives in mind if that happens. Receivers who can at least cover up the loss as he continues trying to find his future quarterback.
Will it be in the draft, free agency or via a trade? No doubt the list of possible names will be long. Then again one or two have already begun to surface. Options that may not bring a lot of hype, but plenty of productivity.
The Washington Post recently indicated a name out there that the Bears could have on their radar. Somebody who always seems to delight in proving doubters wrong.
"It doesn’t sound as if the Redskins plan to re-sign DeSean Jackson, who is extremely talented, but too inconsistent for management’s taste. The team likes Pierre Garcon, and Garcon says he wants to be here. But as many as five other teams (Rams, Eagles, Bears, Cowboys, 49ers) are expected to want this reliable veteran to serve as a security blanket for their young quarterbacks."Pierre Garcon turns 31-years old this coming August. He doesn't strike as a long-term option a team can build around but he does qualify as an instant plug for a roster hole. He's also no stranger to leaving a situation he likes in order to do what's best for him and his family from a business sense. He left Indianapolis after a great run to join the Redskins. Now after another great run it's not wise to best against him doing so again.
UNDERRATED EXCELLENCE
Washington has delivered one of the better passing attacks in the NFL the past two seasons with Kirk Cousins at the helm. He just finished with over 4,900 yards passing and reached his first Pro Bowl. A big reason for that has been the play of his weapons, most notably Garcon. Always a man who seems to get lost in the shuffle. He had 1,346 in 2013 before posting just over 700 in both 2014 and 2015. Most thought he'd peaked going into last season. Then he posted 1,041 yards on just 79 catches. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Kirk-Cousins-Hits-Pierre-Garcon-Deep-for-a-70-Yard-TD-Packers-vs.-Redskins-NFL.mp4"][/video] It was also the fourth-straight year in which Garcon has not missed a single game. If there is anything the Bears have come to appreciate about players in the past two seasons, it's reliability. Jeffery missed a combined 11 games between 2015 and 2016. Their prized former first round pick Kevin White missed almost two entire seasons. Veteran Eddie Royal failed to appear in double digit games as well. It was an ugly situation that really set back their offense. Now faced with the prospect of going into 2017 with White and former undrafted free agent Cameron Meredith as their top two options, Chicago knows a counter move to a Jeffery exit is critical. Garcon may not feel like a sexy choice. Sort of like substituting a dirt bike in for a Harley. Losing a younger, more gifted target and getting an older, less gifted one in return. This is how the NFL works though. Sometimes teams are going to lose really good players for any number of reasons. Often it's money or the player and team just not seeing eye to eye. Then again it's not like losing great wide receivers has been a death sentence in the past.Dispelling a Myth
Look back over the recent history of the NFL and there are plenty of examples of a team losing a star receiver and that team still managing to win. The New England Patriots sent Randy Moss packing just four games into the 2010 season. Yet Tom Brady still won league MVP that year and reached the Super Bowl in 2011. Drew Brees lost Jimmy Graham two years ago via trade and his numbers barely wavered at all. Even the Bears can justify their ability to survive without Jeffery. In those four games without him the Bears averaged 231.5 passing yards and 20 points per game. Without him? They averaged 253.5 yards and 16.5 points with him. Not exactly a ringing endorsement to his overall impact on the offense. In fact it's still worth noting that Jeffery was at his best only when Chicago had Brandon Marshall on the field with him. Since Marshall was traded to New York, Jeffery has failed to crack 1,000 yards in a season. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Bears-Alshon-Jeffery-far-apart-on-long-term-deal-NFLcom.mp4"][/video] This is what makes a Chicago Bears Pierre Garcon agreement that much more palatable. Garcon, though he may not be as talented, certain has been every bit as productive the past four years. Their yards and touchdown comparisons are surprisingly close.- Jeffery (2013-2016): 4,182 yards and 23 touchdowns
- Garcon (2013-2016): 3,916 yards and 17 touchdowns
