Receiver Alshon Jeffery has left the Bears after five seasons to sign a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, Jeffery ranks third on the Bears' all-time receiving list with 4,549 yards and seventh with 304 receptions.
Jeffery emerged as a star in 2013, catching 89 passes for 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed in 2014 with 85 receptions for 1,133 yards and 10 TDs.
But in 2015 Jeffery was limited to nine games due to injuries to his calf, hamstring, groin and shoulder, and his production dipped to 54 catches for 807 yards and four touchdowns.
Unable to agree on a long-term contract extension, the Bears placed their franchise tag on Jeffery last season, guaranteeing him $14.599 million. He didn't miss any action with an injury but drew a four-game suspension for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. Jeffery finished the season with 52 receptions for 821 yards and two TDs in 12 games.
The Bears declined to put the franchise tag on Jeffery for a second time this offseason, a move that would have cost them $17.5 million for the 2017 season.
Jeffery will reunite in Philadelphia with Eagles receivers coach Mike Groh, who served in the same position with the Bears from 2013-15. The Bears are scheduled to play the Eagles this season in Philadelphia.
