The Chicago Bears managed to stave off losing Allen Robinson courtesy of the franchise tag. That doesn’t mean the challenges are over. It’s been clear for months the wide receiver isn’t going to budge on whatever price he has in mind. For their part, the Bears clearly haven’t liked what they’ve heard and thus the two sides remain deadlocked. What isn’t know is exactly what that dollar amount is.
Initial reports last season were he wanted something akin to “Odell Beckham money.” That would’ve meant around $18 million per year. Is it possible those demands have shifted since that time? One would have to think so. Especially after Robinson posted over 1200 yards last season despite erratic quarterback play. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN offered some clarification on that.
It seems Robinson is seeking top five money.
“Allen Robinson, I’m told, has zero plans to sign his franchise tag in the immediate future. So considering their contract negotiations in the fall did not go well, this could drag out a long while where Robinson doesn’t show up, doesn’t sign that tag. Because when they talked in the past, the Bears made clear they have no plans to give him that top dollar at wide receiver. You know, that $20 million range that the best players now get.”
As of right now, there are only four wide receivers who make $20 million or more per year in the NFL. They are DeAndre Hopkins ($27.25 million), Julio Jones ($22 million), Keenan Allen ($20.025 million), and Amari Cooper ($20 million). Robinson feels he deserves to be the fifth man added to that group. Whether it’s closer to Cooper’s number or Hopkins’ is the uncertain part.
Either way, it’s a lot of money. Given where the Bears are in terms of the salary cap, one can understand why they’re reluctant to meet those demands. It isn’t about whether they covet Robinson as a player. It’s about whether they can afford to give him that kind of cash with several other needs to address. Particularly at the quarterback position. Not to mention the offensive line.
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Is Allen Robinson worth $20 million per year?
Most Bears fans would probably say yes. His production and value to the offense speak for themselves. In truth, if not for COVID-19 it’s a pretty safe bet the deal would’ve already been done without such a hassle. Sadly this is where things stand. Chicago wants him to stay but his desired number has reached some sort of threshold they’re unwilling to cross.
This suggests the Bears don’t believe in paying top money to wide receivers. Pace’s history backs this up. He let Alshon Jeffery walk in 2017. Time proved him wise on that but back then it appeared foolish. Is it so crazy to think he might be willing to do the same with Allen Robinson? Receivers are a plentiful resource. Teams can typically find capable ones in free agency or the draft every year. While Robinson is a very good player, his peak performance the past two years didn’t get them any closer to a Super Bowl.
For that, they need a quarterback.
It is a brutal calculation. Robinson has done nothing wrong. In fact, he did everything right. He stayed out of trouble, worked hard, and played his butt off. Players like that should be rewarded. A tragic series of circumstances have made it difficult for the Bears to make this happen. He and the team have until July 15th to continue working on this long-term deal. If it fails to happen by then? One can probably guess 2021 will be his final season in Chicago.