Jay Cutler: Alshon Jeffery can replace Brandon Marshall as No. 1 receiver
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is confident receiver Alshon Jeffery will continue to thrive despite the departure of Brandon Marshall.
“I don't see why [Jeffery can't be the No. 1],” Cutler said, according to ESPN.com. “He makes big plays for us, he knows the offense, he's a big target, and I think more importantly that's the guy he wants to become. He wants to become the No. 1 everyday out here, and he's taking the proper steps.”
Jeffery is entering his fourth season in the NFL after leading the Bears in receiving yards each of the past two seasons. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 after recording 89 receptions for 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 85 catches for 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
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Marshall was traded to the New York Jets in March in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. He had seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2007–13 but had 721 yards last season.
The Bears drafted wide receiver Kevin White from West Virginia in the first round of this year's draft and also signed veteran Eddie Royal in free agency.
