Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery had until Friday afternoon to come to an agreement on a long-term deal with the team, but after that deadline passed, he'll play instead under the team's franchise tag.
That deal will pay Jeffery $14.6 million, and he will be unable to sign a longer term deal with the team until after the 2016 season.
Jeffery, who missed seven games during the 2015 season after dealing with a variety of injuries, was seeking out a contract that would make him one of the highest paid wide receivers in the NFL, but instead he will have to prove to the Bears that he can stay healthy and productive as he plays under the one-year deal.
During the 2015 season, Jeffery caught 54 passes for 807 yards and four touchdowns. As the team prepares for training camp, Jeffery will look to form a quality wide receiver duo with Kevin White, the Bears' 2015 first round pick that missed the entire season with a shin injury.
