The Chicago Bears got back on the practice field Tuesday for their mandatory mini-camp, and after missing all of the team’s voluntary workouts this spring, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was back with his teammates at Halas Hall.
Jeffery, who was given the Bears’ franchise tag earlier this offseason, has been the subject of plenty of chatter surrounding his contract status with the organization. Skipping the workouts was a conscious decision by the receiver and his agent, according to Jeffery, but he isn’t worried about his contract situation.
“It really doesn’t matter to me,” Jeffery told reporters after practice. “That situation will take care of itself. I’m just here to play football and I’m focused on football.”
Jeffery has been hoping to get a long-term deal done with the Bears, but talks have been slow progressing. The Bears have seemed reluctant to give Jeffery an extended contract because of the injury issues that he’s gone through so far in his career, but despite the sluggish talks, he’s hopeful that something will get worked out.
“That’s the goal,” he said. “But that’s between Mr. Pace and my agent.”
If Jeffery does not sign a long-term deal before July 15, he will play the 2016 season under the franchise tag, earning $14.6 million in guaranteed money on the one-year deal.