Surely, the Bears would like to keep a homegrown player but, again, the decision has to be based on value and confidence in his ability to return to form. Meredith could command more as an unrestricted free agent a year from now if he proves his health on the field but the allure of a pay day in 2018 has to be real, especially if it’s unclear what his role in the offense will be and how many balls he will have an opportunity to catch.