The future of Alshon Jeffery's NFL career currently hangs in the balance. After receiving the franchise tag from the Bears last season, Jeffery is once again due for a new contract. Chicago isn't likely to apply the franchise tag again due to the high cost ($17 million) and his PED suspension could cause issues when trying to negotiation a long-term deal. If a deal isn't worked out the Bears will likely tag and trade him, or at the very worst, let him sign with another team. Here are the five teams most likely to target Jeffery and probably already researching him extensively.
Honorable Mention: Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles
#4. The Los Angeles Rams
The Rams used the first pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to select Jared Goff, their quarterback of the future. Goff watched his team limp to a 4-12 record with their leading receiver, Kenny Britt, pulling in just under 70 receptions. After finishing with the 31st ranked passing offense last season, the new head coach of the Ram (Sean McVay) will be looking for some answers. The team currently has just over $44 million in cap space and they don't have a first round pick. Trading for and signing Alshon Jeffery would immediately provide a boost to their mediocre receiving corps and give Goff a solid, much bigger, target to compliment Tavon Austin.#3. The Tennessee Titans
Holding the fifth pick in this year's draft, via the Rams, Tennessee also needs a dependable wide receiver. The emergence of Marcus Mariota, pre-injury, was exciting to see but the Titans failed to produce a 1, 000 yard receiver because their talent at the position is less-than mediocre. Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe are interesting players but neither possess the skillset or size of Jeffery. With over $74 million in cap space and a dependable running game, look for the Titans to upgrade their pass catchers. The addition of Jeffery could be what takes Mariota's game to the next level.
#2. Arizona Cardinals
Probably the biggest surprise of the NFL season, the Cardinals finished with just seven wins after a dominant 2015. Larry Fitzgerald will be 34 years-old at the start of next season, Michael Floyd was released for personal behavior and John Brown is a #3, at best. With over $39 million in cap space, the Cardinals have to address their receivers this off-season. Jeffery is very similar to Floyd in terms of size and his skillset is much better. He could step in and take over as the #1 wide receiver while Fitzgerald plays out the last year of his contract on the opposite side.
#1. San Francisco 49ers
The 32nd ranked passing team in the NFL needs some play-makers, especially if the rumors about Phillip Rivers are true. Not only did the Niners finish dead last in passing offense but their 'best' receiver (Jeremy Kerley) amassed an embarrassing 667 yards to lead the team. Torrey Smith is the closest thing to a number one wide receiver on this roster but he only caught 20 balls and appeared in only 12 games last season. If the 49ers are going to turn their franchise around, they've got to score some points. Jeffery would fit in perfectly, the weather is nice and people from San Francisco aren't nearly as mean as Chicago. The $87+ million in cap space helps too.
