BOURBONNAIS — It’s almost impossible to know Alshon Jeffery’s mood no matter what the circumstances. But Bears general manager Ryan Pace is confident the laconic wide receiver will be a good soldier after failing to get a long-term contract in the offseason and settling for a mere $14.6 million as the team’s franchise player this season.
“I feel really good about where he’s at right now, and where we’re at,” Pace said. “I don’t think that’s going to affect him at all.”
The offseason impasse was predictable after Jeffery’s uneven 2015 season. He averaged 110 yards per game and 15.5 yards per catch in seven games when he was healthy. But he missed six games and was less than 100 percent in two because of various injuries.
“Those negotiations were friendly the whole time,” Pace said. “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.
“We can revisit it after the season. But I’m optimistic. He’s a talented player. He knows he has to stay healthy. And we’ll see going forward.”
Bears add two
Besides linebacker Pernell McPhee, the Bears also put wide receiver Marquess Wilson (broken foot) and newly signed guard Amini Silatolu (recovering from ACL surgery) on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
The Bears signed former Steelers and Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin and wide receiver B.J. Daniels to bring their training camp roster to the maximum 90.
Boykin, a fourth-round draft pick by the Eagles in 2012, has eight career interceptions in 64 games (seven starts) over four NFL seasons – including a 54-yard return for a touchdown against Jay Cutler and the Bears in a 54-11 Eagles rout at Lincoln Financial Field in 2013.
Bears want to host
The Bears will have two days of practices with the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. prior to their preseason game on Aug. 18. Coach John Fox indicated the Bears would like to host a team in Bourbonnais in the future. Pace said the Bears would likely need a Week 2 preseason home game to make it work.
Pick to click?
Asked which of his new teammates he was most looking forward to seeing in pads, linebacker Danny Trevathan barely hesitated.
“Akiem [Hicks]. I’m eager to see him in front of us. The man’s a mountain who is hard to move,” Trevathan said. “He’s way quicker than I thought. And that’s my mistake, judging him [prematurely]. He’s quick. man. And he’s a beast. It’s going to be fun working with him.”