Did the Chicago Bears send Allen Robinson an ultimatum? It sure feels that way. Earlier on Thursday, it was revealed GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy had met personally with free agent wide receiver Kenny Golladay. A clear sign of interest. No sooner did buzz surface than wide receiver Allen Robinson pulled a complete 180 on his franchise tag status.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Robinson became ready to consider signing the $17.98 million tag the Bears placed on him. If true, this is a rather startling turn of events. For literal months Robinson sent clear signals that he hated the tag and had no plans to sign it if the team placed it on him. Now it appears Chicago sent him a message. They’re ready to move on unless he changes his tune.
Seems he heard it loud and clear.
“Bears receiver Allen Robinson knows that the winds have changed. And he’s preparing to react accordingly.
Per a league source, Robinson suddenly has adjusted his position regarding the franchise tag that has been applied to him. With news emerging today the Bears brought receiver Kenny Golladay in for a visit on Wednesday, Robinson is pivoting from not wanting to sign to seriously considering it.”
Sure enough, just an hour later the news dropped.
#Bears WR Allen Robinson has officially accepted his franchise tag, source said, locking in his $18M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2021
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Robinson may have realized the danger he’s in. The Bears would be threatening to cast him out into free agency late. Considering how soft the market has been thus far? It’s highly unlikely any team would’ve signed him to the kind of deal he’s been asking for since last year. He’d have had to accept a one-year offer at a reduced number. Likely less than the $17.98 million he would get from the Bears.
Honestly, if this was the plan all along it was a smart move by Pace and Nagy. It does nothing to help with long-term extension talks but it at least ensures the receiver will be available for 2021. Then again there is a possibility this decision is a prelude to another move. Maybe the Bears then trade Robinson to another team eager for receiver help and then sign Golladay who don’t forget is a Chicago native. Something to consider.
Could Bears be hoping for Allen Robinson and Golladay combo?
It sounds difficult to believe but then again their recent moves suggest they have some sort of plans in mind. Kyle Fuller was already released to create cap space. Akiem Hicks was also granted permission to seek a trade. He may likely be out as well. That free up another $21.5 million in cap space. If the Bears were able to secure Golladay, they could keep his 2021 cap hit low, pairing him together with Robinson. That would make for an exciting wide receiver tandem. Especially paired with Darnell Mooney’s speed.
The truth is it’s hard to tell where this is going. Allen Robinson suddenly reversing his position so fast is unusual. Either he’s got a sense hitting the market won’t help him this year or something else is in the works. By signing the tender, he is locked in to either play in 2021 for the Bears or get traded elsewhere. One would have to think the Bears wouldn’t move him unless they’re sure they had some kind of replacement ready.
Golladay being the obvious idea.
The smart bet is Robinson recognized the danger of the tag being rescinded if the Bears signed the former Lions standout. Then he wouldn’t make near the amount of money elsewhere in 2021 that he would’ve in Chicago. His best bet is to take the $18 million, play well again this season and just leave in 2022 when the Bears likely won’t tag him a second time.