The Chicago Bears are unlikely to use their franchise tag upon Alshon Jeffery this season.

Jeffery is likely to sign with another team at the start of free agency.

Despite playing under the $14.599 million franchise tag in 2016, Jeffery caught only 52 balls for 821 yards and 2 touchdowns in 12 appearances.

From 2013-14, Jeffery combined for 174 receptions, 2,554 yards and 17 touchdowns.

The Chicago Bears have actively begun seeking a trade of Jay Cutler.

Chicago are trying to acquire draft compensation for Cutler and talks are expected to accelerate heading into the combine.

While Cutler's contract does not include a no-trade clause, there remains a widespread belief that a deal will require both Cutler and the Bears to agree on the suitor.

Cutler has little incentive to play for a noncompetitive team given the lack of any guaranteed money in his current contract

The New York Jets have hired Jeremy Bates as quarterback coach, which has fueled speculation that the team will pursue Jay Cutler.

Cutler and Bates worked together for four seasons.

Cutler is expected to be cut or traded by the Chicago Bears this offseason, but they Jets are not expected to be interested.

The Jets reportedly prefer Tyrod Taylor and Mike Glennon over Cutler.

The Chicago Bears will far and away make Jimmy Garoppolo their top priority this offseason.

Garoppolo is a native of Illinois and the Bears would like to move on from Jay Cutler.

Garoppolo could be traded by the New England Patriots this offseason with Tom Brady still planning on playing several seasons.

The Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers are also expected to have interest in Garoppolo. 

The Bears are prepared to engage in talks on Garoppolo at the combine later this month, or sooner if need be. 

It appears as though Jay Cutler could be an option for the San Francisco 49ers at quarterback.

John Lynch, the club's new general manager, played with Cutler with the Denver Broncos.

"I like Jay, he's a friend of mine," Lynch said. "He had some growing up to do, probably still has some growing up to do. But in saying that, I think the Broncos erred in letting him go.

"This is a guy, in my mind, that's a once-in-every-15-year-type talent. He's got that kind of skill. I think he'll grow into the other things. I sometimes think during this whole ordeal, they tried to paint him as a bad guy, but he's not a bad guy at all. He's got some growing up to do, but hopefully he learned something from this whole ordeal and offseason."