The Facts: Jeffery will play the 2016 season under the franchise tag, as expected. The NFL deadline for players under the tag to sign long-term extensions passed at 4 p.m. Friday, and the negotiating stalemate between Jeffery's camp and the Bears front office did not end.

Diehards Line: That means the standout receiver will make $14.6 million this season in a second consecutive contract year. With Friday's deadline past, Jeffery and the Bears cannot finalize a long-term deal until after the season. But the Bears will have plenty of time to negotiate with Jeffery exclusively, if they so desire, before free agency begins in March. Jeffery led the Bears with 54 catches and 807 receiving yards last season and scored four touchdowns, but injury issues with his calf, hamstring and groin persisted. He missed seven games and never played in more than four in a row. The 26-year old wants to be paid like an elite receiver. A year ago, the Broncos' Demaryius Thomas and Cowboys' Dez Bryant signed five-year, $70 million deals with at least $43 million guaranteed just before the franchise-tag deadline. But the Bears would like Jeffery to better prove his consistency, durability and playmaking prowess before making a new investment. Other teams will be watching to see what Jeffery proves as well. And he knows that.