Alshon Jeffery not at Bears’ voluntary workouts

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has not been participating in the Bears’ voluntary team activities, which began last week.

ESPN, which first reported the absence, said the receiver told the team in advance that he planned to train in Florida instead.

Jeffery signed his franchise tag tender on March 8, guaranteeing him $14.599 million for one season. Jeffery’s representatives and the Bears will continue discussing a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline.

GM Ryan Pace said last month that the tag “bought us more time” to strike a long-term deal.

“So now we’ve extended that window and we’re continuing to negotiate,” he said. “And those have been cordial and productive and ongoing.”

Jeffery, who in February began training at analyst Jay Glazer’s gym, is required to attend mandatory team events; the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp begins June 13.

Jeffery caught 54 passes for 807 yards last season despite missing seven games and all four preseason contests because of a series of soft-tissue issues.