Alshon Jeffery, Bears Reportedly 'More Than Open' to WR Re-Signing

The Chicago Bears and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery appear to be keeping the door open for him to return in 2017. 

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Bears and Jeffery are "more than open to a reunion" after the team had a positive meeting with his agent on Saturday. 

The Bears opted not to designate Jeffery with the franchise tag this year after the 27-year-old played under the one-year tender in 2016. 

While there has not been a definitive indication Jeffery was on his way out of Chicago, he told ESPN's Josina Anderson on Thursday he wanted to sign with a contending team, via ESPN.com's Jeff Dickerson:

"

I don’t have any hard feelings towards the Bears -- it’s all love. Whatever the next chapter is, I’m ready for it. I’m looking at the teams that obviously need a wide receiver, but also put me in the best situation to win a championship right now. I also want to see what other free agents may be attracted to the same teams I’ll be looking at. That can help that goal.

"

Bears general manager Ryan Pace said after the 2016 season ended Jeffery struggled to develop a rhythm due in part to the team's quarterback situation.

“I don’t feel like this season he really got into a rhythm that he would have liked to have gotten into," Pace told reporters, via Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper. "I think that was because of a lot of different quarterback play. And also he missed four games. It’s hard for him to get in a rhythm and showcase what he can do.”

Jeffery is an interesting free agent because there's no doubt about the talent he possesses. He averaged 15.8 yards per reception last season and is just two years removed from having 10 touchdown catches. 

However, he's only played all 16 games in a season twice in five years. He was suspended four games last season for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. 

Several teams have been linked to Jeffery leading up to the start of free agency on March 9. Anderson reported the Bears were still in the mix, along with the San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles. 

Among that group, the Eagles and Titans are the closest to competing for a playoff spot. The Bears and 49ers have significant quarterback questions to answer this offseason. 

Jeffery has a big decision to make this offseason. It's his best chance to cash in after five productive seasons in Chicago while also trying to figure out what the best situation to maximize his potential will be.