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Emma: For Bears To Trade Alshon Jeffery, Price Must Be Right

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) When the Bears drafted Alshon Jeffery four years ago, they believed their years of searching for a dynamic wide receiver were finally over.

It seems they got this one right, too, because Jeffery belongs in that top tier of receivers. He's big, physical and a big-play threat on any snap. He's now 26 years and into his fifth season, the prime of his career.

But the Bears haven't maximized Jeffery to his fullest. He has 24 touchdowns in his career, a number that could be much higher. Through seven games this season, he has zero touchdowns.

Initially, the Bears brought in Jeffery to play alongside Brandon Marshall, creating one of the NFL's most formidable tandems. Then, Marshall paved his own path out of town. Kevin White was to be the next complement to Jeffery, drafted with the No. 7 pick in 2015. He's played just four games and is likely out for the season again after suffering a broken leg in Week 4.

Now, Jeffery is the big target who's been wasting away in a struggling offense of a last-place Bears team. With Tuesday's trade deadline looming, it's worth wondering whether Jeffery will be moved before 3 p.m. CT.

During this past offseason, the Bears tendered the franchise tag to Jeffery, hoping he could prove worthy of a mega deal with a healthy, productive season. Jeffery has stayed healthy, and the lack of production isn't his fault. The Bears haven't utilized their top target enough to this point. The return of Jay Cutler could change that, but how much will it matter at 1-6?

The reality for second-year general manager Ryan Pace is that his Bears haven't gotten much better since he took over office. Any moves that can better the franchise for the future must be considered, including a trade of Jeffery.

Jeffery could bring solid return value for the Bears -- perhaps a high draft pick or a pair of mid-round slots. The Bears will likely be looking to draft a quarterback high in the draft. Adding another high pick would allow them to find a playmaker at another position.

Such a move wouldn't be like moving Marshall to rid a rotten apple -- Jeffery is a team captain and trusted teammate who's in his prime.

Meanwhile, Jeffery's contract is due up again this offseason. A long-term deal may not come unless he puts together a strong second half to the season, but the Bears surely can't let a player of his caliber walk for nothing. So there are two logical choices -- slap the franchise tag on him once again or trade him.

However, the Bears would be moving a terrific talent who doesn't come around too often. With White's future productivity now a complete mystery after a second surgery on the same leg, the Bears' receiver position would become a great unknown if Jeffery was gone.

Essentially, White's misfortunes have made Jeffery more valuable to the Bears. They would either be banking on White or hoping Cameron Meredith is a top receiver. Either way, finding another receiver would become a priority.

So what happens if somebody like Philadelphia executive Howie Roseman comes calling to Pace? The Bears may not be able to use Jeffery to contend this season, but Eagles rookie Carson Wentz certainly could.

Of course, the Bears can hope their rebuild brings better growth in the second half of this season and that they can contend in 2017. Jeffery would have to be a key part of that.

There are numerous factors for Pace to consider should his phone ring about Jeffery. The Bears have a lot riding on this decision, regardless of whether he stays or goes.

If the Bears would be willing to trade an elite talent like Jeffery, the price would have to be right.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.

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