"He's at a good spot right now," Pace said Wednesday. "Those negotiations were friendly the whole time, and I don't think it's uncommon when you're negotiating off the franchise tag to sometimes not come to an agreement. But that doesn't mean there's any ill will. So now we understand, we can revisit it after the season. I'm optimistic. He's a talented player. He knows he has to stay healthy. We'll see going forward."
Bears' Alshon Jeffery Moves Past Contract Negotiations
By Chris Emma--
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) -- When Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery says he isn't focusing on his contract situation, he means it.
Jeffery is glad to take the backseat in negotiations, deferring to his agency. Pressed again Thursday on the first day of training camp about his long-term situation with the Bears, Jeffery brushed if off. Back on July 15, the Bears and Jeffery's party failed to reach a long-term deal before the deadline. He will play the 2016 season under the franchise tag.
"Right now, I'm just focusing on football," Jeffery said. "I'm focusing on this year. Everything else will take care of itself.
"I'm here, I'm playing football. I got a contract. I'm blessed."
Jeffery let his agent, Tory Dandy, handle the negotiations with Bears general manager Ryan Pace. They were cordial conversations, according to Pace, but a long-term deal wasn't going to happen.
Thursday saw Jeffery at full health making an impact in training camp. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler seemed to enjoy finding his top target all over the field. Jeffery's highlight of the day came on a deflected pass from Cutler, when he leaped between three defenders and hauled in the football before breaking loose toward the end zone. The crowd at Olivet Nazarene let out a loud cheer.
The Bears want to see Jeffery go prove his place as an elite receiver, which will require good health after an injury-riddled 2015 that brought seven missed games and four soft-tissue injuries.
Meanwhile, Jeffery's party wouldn't settle for anything less that top dollar. Jeffery will be paid $14.6 million as the franchise tag permits -- top-five receiver money.
Prior to playing just nine games in 2015, Jeffery had recorded 167 catches and 17 touchdowns combined in 2013 and 2014. When healthy, he makes a major impact.
The Bears would love nothing more than to see Jeffery prove he's deserving of Dez Bryant and Julio Jones money.
First, he must earn the status of elite.
"After this year, we'll see," Jeffery said. "Those guys are all great receivers, and I'm great at what I do. I'm just going to play football and focus on that."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
