People are deathly afraid the Chicago Bears are going to do something stupid this offseason. None more so than finding an excuse to let their best offensive player walk out the door. Wide receiver Allen Robinson is coming off over 1,200 yards in 2020, one of the most productive seasons for a receiver in Bears history. Now he’s set to become a free agent. Would the team dare let him hit the open market?
A lot of analysts and fans of other teams are certainly acting like it. Chicago hasn’t been able to reach an agreement with Robinson on a new contract for months. This has left many pessimistic it will ever happen. Yet based on the recent actions of the Bears social media team, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of concern about that. Just look at this promotional video they posted, featuring several prominent players with a clear vision of 2021.
Guess who is right there in the mix.
We can’t wait. 🐻⬇️ https://t.co/yp9NJJPV8o
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 8, 2021
Unless the team does a poor job of keeping its media teams in the loop, this is a pretty strong declaration for their plans this year. The truth is it was never likely Robinson was leaving. Even if an extension couldn’t be agreed to, the Bears have the franchise tag in their back pocket. With them so close to acquiring a new quarterback, what sense would it make to let their best weapon slip away?
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Everything points to Chicago utilizing the tag if a new deal can’t be agreed to by March. The wide receiver tag is projected to be $15.8 million but it may end up being $18 million for Robinson since a 20% raise from his original contract number is required. Working that and the new quarterback under the cap will be the big challenge for GM Ryan Pace over the next month.
It get harder to watch this game every year
— Allen Robinson II (@AllenRobinson) February 7, 2021
No 🧢, I want a 💍
— Allen Robinson II (@AllenRobinson) February 8, 2021
Bears have to show Allen Robinson they’re committed
This isn’t just about money, though that is important. The receiver wants to get paid like one of the best in the NFL. This likely means $20 million per year or more. However, it goes beyond that. Robinson has made it clear every time he’s been asked that his primary goal is to win the Super Bowl. That has been his focus since he got to Chicago. The Bears did make the playoffs twice but failed to advance both times.
Now they appear to be at a crossroads. Are they still committed to going after a Super Bowl? That is what Allen Robinson wants to know. Perhaps finding the right quarterback could be enough to sway him. Rumors are rampant they’re in pursuit of Carson Wentz, the former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler. He’s played some really good football in the past but struggled in 2020. Would his arrival tip the scale in any meaningful direction for Robinson?
Only the man himself can answer that question.
Either way, it’s clear enough the Bears have designs on him being back in 2021. That is good news. It means they’ll have a bonafide star receiver on offense and maybe even a better quarterback. This should improve their chances of making some noise in the NFC.