Alshon Jeffery on contract situation: 'I love the city of Chicago'

Nov 15, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) takes up his position during a game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Bears won the game 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is nearing free agency and coming off an injury-plagued season. After four seasons in Chicago, he commented on his future with the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Jeffery said he loves the city, but he's leaving the contract negotiations up to his agent and Bears general manager Ryan Pace.

Pace, who just completed his first season as the Bears' GM, hasn't been watching Jeffery throughout his NFL career. All he saw in 2015 was a player who struggled to stay healthy, even though the pass-catcher was productive when on the field.

Jeffery, 25, dealt with calf, groin and hamstring injuries all year. They popped up in training camp and lasted until he was placed on injured reserve before Chicago's Week 17 matchup with the Detroit Lions. In the nine games in which he was healthy enough to play, he recorded decent numbers: 54 receptions, 807 yards and four touchdowns.

Although his 2015 campaign -- as a whole -- was a disappointment, Jeffery eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in 2013 and 2014. If a longterm deal is not reached before his rookie contract expires in the spring, the 6-foot-3-inch receiver could be a candidate for the franchise tag.