Report: Bears, Jeffery still discussing long-term deal

Alshon Jeffery has already signed his franchise tender, but the possibility of a long-term agreement still exists.

The Chicago Bears are continuing to discuss a multi-year contract with their star wide receiver as the July 15 negotiation deadline approaches, reports Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Fowler concedes that it's possible Jeffery will play out the season under the $14.6-million salary, and any long-term agreement will come close to the deadline.

Last summer, the deadline produced several megadeals at the 11th hour. Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, and Justin Houston each agreed to multi-year contracts with their respective teams ahead of the final opportunity to avoid the franchise tag.

Easily one of the NFL's most dominant pass-catchers when healthy, Jeffery is likely in line for a contract similar to the five-year, $70-million agreements signed by Bryant and Thomas. The 26-year-old racked up 174 receptions for 2,554 yards and 17 touchdowns across the two seasons prior to his injury-shortened 2015 campaign.