The Facts: The Bears have decided not to apply the franchise tag to Jeffery for the second straight year.

Diehards Line: The move was expected. GM Ryan Pace told reporters on Wednesday the tag "really wasn't an option for us" this time, though he's not ruling out re-signing him once free agency begins on March 9. Pace says there are "certain instances where testing the market is a necessary part of the process" to determine a player's value. Jeffery emerged as a star in 2013, catching 89 passes for 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed in 2014 with 85 receptions for 1,133 yards and 10 TDs. But in 2015 Jeffery was limited to nine games due to injuries to his calf, hamstring, groin and shoulder, and his production dipped to 54 catches for 807 yards and four touchdowns. Jeffery played last season on the franchise tag after he and the Bears were unable to agree to a multiyear deal. He also served a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Jeffery finished the season with 52 receptions for 821 yards and two TDs in 12 games. Expect the Titans and Eagles to be among the teams interested in Jeffery come March 9.