Signing former Bears WR Jeffery big catch for Eagles
Despite a halfhearted effort by the Bears to re-sign wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, he opted for a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles that can earn him an extra $4.5 million in incentives.
"Business is business," said Jeffery, a Pro Bowl pick after the 2013 season. "How can I say this? I think it was just a better decision for me and my family. I spent five years there (in Chicago). I loved it there. I had a great time. I appreciate the opportunity to live out my childhood dream, just playing professional sports."
In Jeffery's rookie season with the Bears, they finished 10-6 in Lovie Smith's last year as head coach. Over the next four years, Jeffery and the Bears were a combined 22-42. The Bears come into Philly for Sunday's game as a 12-point underdog with a 3-7 record. The Eagles, 9-1 in Jeffery's first year, are considered one of the favorites to reach Super Bowl 52.
"We're doing a great job not worrying about our record," Jeffery said. "Just competing; working hard every day. We don't care who we're playing. We're just going out there and competing, and we're trying to prove that we're the best. We just go out there and compete every day in practice, and on Sunday it shows up."
The Eagles have outscored their last four opponents 155-66, have won each of their previous three games by at least 23 points and are 5-0 at Lincoln Financial Field.
"We're chasing something great," Jeffery said. "Sky's the limit. We just have to keep working."
Jeffery leads the Eagles with 567 receiving yards and is tied for first with 6 touchdowns. In his top two seasons with the Bears (2013-14), he averaged 87 receptions and 1,277 yards with a total of 17 touchdowns.
With wide receivers Kevin White and Cam Meredith on injured reserve, Jeffery's presence in Chicago this year would have been a huge help for a struggling Bears offense.
"Hindsight is always 20-20," Bears coach John Fox said. "He's a guy we liked. We did talk to him. It's not like we were not in the mix. A lot of times (the players) have decisions in that as well."
Jeffery was asked about the common perception that the Bears' interest in retaining him was only lukewarm.
"I'm not worried about that," he said. "I'm in Philly now. Can't take the past back. It is what it is."
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