LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Alshon Jeffery’s four-game suspension should not dissuade the Chicago Bears from signing him long term or applying the franchise tag for a second consecutive year.

There is no question about Jeffery’s talent.

At 26, Jeffery is one of the most productive receivers in franchise history: 292 receptions for 4,358 yards and 25 touchdowns. Jeffery isn’t the fastest player on the field, but he skillfully uses his 6-foot-3 frame to create separation on both underneath and downfield routes.

Jeffery may not be a top-five receiver, but if he reaches the open market, he will be paid like one. The suspension will not reduce Jeffery’s asking price.

The concern with Jeffery boils down to availability. One reason Chicago hesitated to lock up Jeffery long term last offseason is that he played in only nine games due to a variety of soft-tissue injuries. Jeffery’s mission in 2016 was to prove to the NFL he can stay healthy, and he has been active in all nine of the Bears’ regular-season games.

The suspension is a setback, but PED infractions are rather common in the NFL. It’s not as if Jeffery committed some unforgivable sin.

Of course, Jeffery is fighting a perception issue. He needs to assure prospective suitors he can be counted on to suit up every week.

The last thing any player entering free agency wants is controversy.

But outside of the minor flap Jeffery caused by skipping voluntary workouts this past offseason, he has been a drama-free player since the Bears drafted him in 2012.

The Bears should be motivated to keep Jeffery. Much like the quarterback position, the Bears have no true heir apparent at receiver. Last year’s first-round pick, Kevin White, has played in just four games because of injuries. While the Bears still have faith in White, he is an unproven commodity. Letting Jeffery leave would create an unnecessary hole on the roster the Bears cannot possibly feel comfortable filling yet.

And with an expected change at quarterback looming in 2017, Jeffery represents the kind of receiver who can help a young or inexperienced passer. Jeffery’s wide catching radius cleans up the kind of mistakes a rookie quarterback is expected to make in Year 1.

To ensure that the fallout from the suspension doesn't follow him into the offseason, Jeffery needs to offer a reasonable explanation of what happened, and play well when he returns.

If both happen, there is no reason for the Bears to let Jeffery walk. He is simply too good at his craft.