Green Bay Packers free agency: Alshon Jeffery would be a dream signing
As long as Ted Thompson is running the show, the Green Bay Packers won’t be big spenders in free agency. Alshon Jeffery should be the exception to the rule.
You want a big-time playmaker for Aaron Rodgers? An elite pass catcher to give defensive coordinators nightmares? A game-changer that can make Green Bay’s passing offense the very best this league has to offer?
Then say hello to Alshon Jeffery, the 6-foot-3, 218-pound wide receiver currently residing in Chicago under the franchise tag.
Jeffery’s contract, like last year, is set to expire. After shelling out $14.6 million for his services in 2016, the Bears would have to pay almost $18 million to use the franchise tag again. Their salary cap will allow it, but that’s a steep price to pay.
If Jeffery fails to work out a long-term deal with the Bears and hits the market on March 9, there will be no shortage of interest around the league. Green Bay should be among those pursuing his signature.
Jeffery isn’t the best receiver in the NFL by a long way, even though he’ll be paid like it, but he’s still an elite pass catcher who would immediately make the Packers offense an even scarier prospect than it currently is.
In his five-year career, Jeffery has piled up 4,549 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. Twice he’s smashed the 1,000-yard mark and he’s hauled in double digit touchdowns once.
Allow you to remind me of the quarterbacks he’s played with. How about Jay Cutler, Josh McCown, Brian Hoyer, and Matt Barkley?
Now put him with Aaron Rodgers. You only have to look at the transformation of Jared Cook in Green Bay to understand the difference a quality quarterback can make to a receiver or tight end. The fact Jeffery already put up mind-boggling performances time and again with subpar quarterback play makes you wonder just how dominant he could be in a green and gold uniform.
Injuries are the biggest knock on Jeffery. He’s dealt with and played through a number of nagging injuries throughout his career, although he’s only missed seven games in the past four years because of injury (all in 2015). He did miss four games in 2016 due to a suspension.
When healthy, there’s no denying the kind of impact he could make with an MVP quarterback in Green Bay.
Jordy Nelson continues to play at a high level, but he turns 32 in May and can’t keep this going forever. The Packers need to look ahead and ensure their future at the position is protected. Jeffery recently turned 27 and is in the prime years of his career.
Ultimately, it’ll come down to the price tag. Jeffery will likely become the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. With around $43 million of cap room to work with, the Packers have the ammunition to re-sign some of their own guys and also make a splash.
Ted Thompson likely won’t see it that way. Jeffery will be overpaid by the team that signs him.
But the Packers’ future won’t be compromised by making one splash signing, and it’s a move that could lead them to a second championship under Aaron Rodgers.
Next: Ranking the top 10 receivers in Green Bay Packers history