The Chicago Bears will enter the season without Brandon Marshall who was traded to the New York Jets. The receiver was the No.1 target for quarterback Jay Cutler who is preparing for a crucial season that will likely determine his future with the Bears and in the NFL in general. With Marshall out, the Bears re-tooled the receiving corps in free agency and in the draft, but Cutler believes it will be Alshon Jeffery that is the new star of the show.
Jeffery enters the new season as the undisputed No.1 receiver. The former second-round draft pick has proven he can step up with more responsibility. He did fine when Marshall missed the final stretch of the season last year. After putting up 2,921 yards in his first three seasons with the team, Cutler is confident that Jeffery is the go-to guy this season.
"I don't see why [Jeffery can't be the No. 1]," Cutler said, via ESPN.com. "He makes big plays for us, he knows the offense, he's a big target, and I think more importantly that's the guy he wants to become. He wants to become the No. 1 everyday out here, and he's taking the proper steps. He's always been a quiet guy, but anytime you put on film or see him work in the weight room or on the field, you can't deny that. It inspires the receivers, myself and everyone else to work as hard as he's working."
This could be a very big season for Jeffery. The wide receiver is preparing to enter the final year of his contract and general manager Ryan Pace has already made it clear that re-signing Jeffery is a top priority for Chicago. That means contracts for players like Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte could be put on the backburner until Jeffery is signed. Forte is entering the final year of his contract while Bennett still has two years remaining on his deal, but has made it clear he wants an extension. According to the Chicago Tribune, Forte's age means the Bears will only offer so much money while Jeffery will get the long-term extension.
The receiving corps will be a question mark as the Bears enter training camp. Kevin White is expected to start immediately while Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson work into the group. Cutler does not sound too concerned about the new group in place as he believes everyone is right on track to start the year.
"Alshon, I think he's having a heck of a camp, Eddie is solid every day and I think Wilson is back on track to where he was last training camp, progressing every day and making big plays for us. We're confident with this group. We're kind of feeling out who four and five will be. Kevin is doing a good job for us, picking up the offense, he's got a bright future in front of him as well," Cutler said, via ESPN.com.