The Chicago Bears face a big game on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. It is certainly hoped they can finally pull off a victory at home versus their rivals. Something that hasn’t happened since 2018. One thing is for sure. This game could go a long way in determining what the team ends up doing at the end of the month come the trade deadline. Will they be buyers? Will they be sellers? Nobody is sure yet.
One thing is for certain. They have a difficult decision to make regarding Allen Robinson. Their star receiver sits on the franchise tag. That means he will be a free agent next March. Given how extension conversations have gone to this point? Nobody is optimistic that he will remain in Chicago beyond this season. That is why GM Ryan Pace faces a dilemma. Does he let the season play out with Robinson on the roster or does he try to trade him now?
That isn’t an easy decision.
Trading Robinson would deliberately weaken a Bears passing game that is already the worst in the NFL. Rookie quarterback Justin Fields needs all the help he can get. Shipping out Robinson wouldn’t accomplish this. So is there any sort of alternative? That depends on how risky the team is willing to be. There is one option they could consider. Sending Robinson to Cleveland in exchange for Odell Beckham Jr.
Don’t laugh. It’s true that OBJ has been a bit of a malcontent at times in the past. However, his tenure in Cleveland hasn’t involved many distractions. Just some unfortunate injury setbacks. Now it appears there is a disconnect between him and quarterback Baker Mayfield. Something that doesn’t show any signs of improving. This is why many including Gil Brandt of NFL.com believe he could be traded soon.
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“But Beckham and Baker Mayfield have had a difficult time establishing a reliable connection in their time together. If they’re not able to get on the same page in the immediate future, the Browns would be better off getting what they can for a player who should still attract plenty of interest, with a contract that is set to run through 2023. Cleveland’s competitive window is wide open now, and further upgrading its improved defense could potentially help the team more than continuing to wait for Beckham and Mayfield to jell.”
Chicago Bears would have sound reasons to make this deal
For one, the two players are practically the same age. Robinson turned 28 in August. Beckham turns 29 in November. Just a few months apart. People will automatically say that Robinson is the more productive receiver. That isn’t entirely true either. In five games this season, he has 181 yards and one touchdown. Beckham has 124 yards and missed the first two games of the season. The key to all of this is the contract.
While Robinson has an expiring deal, Beckham’s has another two years on it after this season. So the Bears would have more long-term security at a position of need. The price tag would be $18 million per year. Not all that much more than what they’re paying Robinson right now for his tag contract. The appeal here is the Browns unload a contract they no longer want but get back a receiver who can give them credible production for Mayfield. Then they can choose to either sign Robinson long-term or pocket the money and likely a 3rd round compensatory pick in 2023.
Chicago gets a still solid player with a little more explosiveness.
Somebody who would fit Fields really well. Is it a likely deal? Probably not. Still, it is one that makes sense from both sides. Both have risks but both also have upside. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is familiar with Robinson’s work. He was the Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator prior to getting his current job. Conversely, the Chicago Bears have the sort of locker room that Beckham might do well in. Lots of leadership and a real player-friendly environment.