The Chicago Bears are having a hard time securing Allen Robinson to a contract extension. This has led to frustration from him regarding the negotiations. Though he decided to sign the franchise tag this offseason rather than hold out, it appears he hasn’t moved off his original stance. Robinson has a particular dollar amount in mind he feels he’s worth. Thus far the Bears haven’t been willing to meet it.
This has led many to a pessimistic outlook for this situation. Robinson will play the 2021 season in Chicago and then likely leave in free agency next offseason. If the two sides can’t reach some sort of agreement by the deadline of July 15th, it feels as if there is no way the Bears will be able to retain him before free agency opens the following March. Not unless they find a way to keep him happy and inclined to stay.
Is there any possible way of doing this?
Perhaps. Sometimes creative measures can be undertaken to accomplish this. One such option? Reuniting the player with an old friend. Somebody he has a deep connection with and might love the chance to play alongside again. In this regard, the Bears might have one such opportunity. According to Cameron Wolfe of ESPN, there is a strong possibility the Miami Dolphins could part ways with veteran receiver Allen Hurns within the next month or so.
“The Dolphins’ receivers room got a lot deeper with the additions of Will Fuller V and Jaylen Waddle to pair with 2020 starters DeVante Parker and Preston Williams. Add promising 2020 third-round pick Lynn Bowden Jr. and that’s five receiver spots likely locked down, leaving veterans such as Hurns (a versatile backup), Albert Wilson (an enormous performer in yards after the catch when healthy), Jakeem Grant (an All-Pro returner with a $3.6 million salary) and Mack Hollins (a special teams standout) competing for one or two remaining spots. All could be vulnerable, but Wilson and Grant might have an early edge over Hurns.”
For those who might not remember, back in 2015 both Robinson and Hurns formed one of the NFL’s most formidable receiving duos in Jacksonville. Robinson had 1,400 yards and Hurns had 1,031. They combined for 24 touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries hampered their next two seasons together. Robinson departed for Chicago. Hurns spent a year in Dallas before landing with the Dolphins in 2019.
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Allen Robinson has already expressed interest in a reunion
Back in 2018, both men became free agents. Robinson was the first to sign, inking his current deal with the Bears. It took longer for Hurns to find a home and A-Rob didn’t waste an opportunity to recruit his former teammate to Chicago. Something Hurns seemed more than open to at the time. It never materialized. Now he is fighting for a roster spot after choosing to opt out in 2020.
— Allen Hurns (@A1hurns) March 20, 2018
If nothing else, that means Hurns should be fresh and 100% healthy. He has proven he can be productive in the past, presenting a well-built 6’3 frame, decent speed, and great body control. With uncertainty surrounding both Javon Wims and Riley Ridley, the Bears may have a need for another big-bodied receiver who can catch. The fact his arrival would also make Allen Robinson happy wouldn’t hurt.
Every little bit helps as they say.
Having a quality vet like Hurns as your #4 or #5 receiver wouldn’t hurt the Bears’ depth. His history of red zone production would help an aspect of their offense that has struggled in recent years. The price to acquire him would be cheap as well presuming he’s released. Timing could play a big part in this. The soon the Dolphins part ways, the better the odds Chicago might scoop him up.