The goal for the Chicago Bears should be to extend Allen Robinson. He has proven the past three years that he is a genuine star wide receiver. They finally have a quarterback in Justin Fields that looks like he could become something special. Letting such a valuable weapon walk seems like a bad idea. Yet with just over a week left until the critical July 15th deadline for negotiating an extension? That is where things are trending.
Most believe the direction things will go is obvious at that point. If Robinson doesn’t get his extension, he will be a free agent in 2022. There is no way the Bears will tag him a second time and likely won’t convince him to return. The wide receiver has continued to make it clear nothing has changed on the contract front. His agent and the team haven’t discussed anything since September of last year. Obviously, that can change quickly but hopes are dimming.
So it is time to ask the question. What do the Bears do if the worst-case scenario happens and Robinson leaves? Here is a glance ahead at some potential options in 2022.
Chicago Bears may have some potential consolation prizes
Chris Godwin (UFA)
Despite playing in the shadow of Mike Evans with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Godwin has established himself as one of the better young receivers in the league. Despite missing four games last season he still managed 840 yards and seven touchdowns. He has size and speed along with sharp route running. He’d likely be a #1 guy on several offenses with other teams. Having already locked up his ring, he will be seeking a massive payday in 2022. One the Buccaneers may not be inclined to give him. Not after already having already paid Evans and also needing money for other extensions.
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DJ Chark (UFA)
Probably one of the more underrated receivers in the NFL right now. Chark cracked 1000 yards and made the Pro Bowl in 2019. This despite a rookie Gardner Minshew throwing him the football. With Jacksonville having drafted Laviska Shenault last year and now signing Marvin Jones? His future with the Jaguars is somewhat unknown. Especially with a GM and head coach combination who had no hand in drafting him. While not the biggest target, his mixture of speed and athleticism make him a constant danger for defenses down the field.
Courtland Sutton (UFA)
Sutton looked like a budding star in 2019, going for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns while making the Pro Bowl for the Denver Broncos. Sadly an injury ended his 2020 season after just one game. So he goes into this year with a lot on the line. Especially a new contract. Now the odds of Denver letting walk are lower than others on this list because they’ll have enough cap space to retain him. However, it’s important to note they have a lot of depth at the position headlined by former 1st round pick Jerry Jeudy. GM George Paton didn’t draft Sutton and may decide to go in another direction.
Davante Adams (UFA)
Could the Chicago Bears somehow pry the superstar receiver away from their bitter rival Green Bay Packers? Probably not. Then again, weirder things have happened. Adams is currently embroiled in a contract dispute of his own. One made all the more difficult by Green Bay’s massive salary cap problems. They will be $34 million over the limit in 2022 according to recent projections. That makes paying anybody tough, but especially Adams. He doesn’t seem willing to take a discount either. Not with Aaron Rodgers in danger of not returning. He has already flirted with the idea of playing elsewhere. If the Bears are willing to pay top dollar, perhaps they can convince him to head south.
Amari Cooper (Trade)
This one might surprise a lot of people. Cooper looks like he is the established guy in Dallas. Why would the Cowboys trade him? Two reasons. Money and a younger option in waiting. Dallas is facing a huge cap issue in 2022. That is to say $24 million in the red. This is going to require some tough sacrifices for the team to navigate. Trading Cooper would instantly net them $16 million in cap space. Not to mention a nice pick in return. One also must not forget they have CeeDee Lamb on the roster now and he flashed #1 receiver potential constantly last season. Depending on the asking price to get him, he’d be a great fit with Justin Fields in Chicago.
