Will the Chicago Bears be active in free agency this year? It doesn’t feel like it. At least right now. They’re projected to be over the salary cap by anywhere from $7-9 million this March. They’ll have work to do just to clear space for their own free agents. To say nothing of potential trade acquisitions and their draft class. Can they really afford to do any big spending on the market this year?
That may depend on what happens in the lead up to it. One subplot that continues to have the attention of Bears fans is the Allen Robinson saga. It feels like the star wide receiver should’ve been extended months ago. Yet through a mix of tough negotiating and the pandemic delivering a huge blow to the league salary cap? There is a fear that Robinson could actually hit the open market.
If that happens, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has a name in mind for a replacement.
He feels the Bears would be a great new home for Corey Davis. The 26-year old just had the best season of his career yet in 2020, going for 984 yards and five touchdowns. He has an intriguing blend of size, body control, and strong hands. While not the route runner Robinson is, he’s a big target any QB would like. Also? He’s a Chicago native. Fowler ranks him as the 18th-best free agent overall.
“With Robinson on the way out, the Bears will have one of the thinnest receiver corps in the league. Davis is a solid — if less spectacular — reinforcement.”
Davis was the 5th overall pick in 2017 out of Western Michigan. The kid has a world of ability but for whatever reason, it took him some time to finally figure things out. It looks like the best seasons of his career are ahead of him. Exactly the type of free agent Ryan Pace likes to target. Would he take a friendly deal to come home? Too early to tell.
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Chicago Bears haven’t reached that point just yet
They remain focused and optimistic they can get something worked out with Robinson. He’s still part of their future plans. Especially given their hunt for a new quarterback. If worse comes to worst, they can use the franchise tag in order to lock him in for another year. That being said, the idea of Davis coming to Chicago is at least an interesting discussion.
He’d be a clear upgrade over somebody like Javon Wims. A perfect #2-3 guy alongside Darnell Mooney and Robinson. Sadly the money almost certainly wouldn’t work out. If Robinson were to leave, that’s a different story. He’d make a solid big receiver option across from Mooney. The Chicago Bears though would likely do well to invest a high draft pick at the receiver position.
One can’t guarantee Davis’ ascent will continue.
If nothing else this is proof the Bears will have alternatives to consider if Robinson somehow does leave. They can secure help at wide receiver and also be guaranteed a future 3rd round pick in 2022. Losing the 28-year old star would hurt a lot. That doesn’t mean it would necessarily be devastating to their intended goal of winning next season.
