Allen Robinson has made his stance as clear as he possibly can. He wants a new contract. He doesn’t feel the Chicago Bears have made an offer that matches his market value. If they aren’t going to do that, then he is prepared to play elsewhere. What hasn’t been made clear is what will happen if the Bears, as most expect, decide to use the franchise tag.
ESPN insider Jeff Darlington seems to have a pretty good idea. He appeared on the
Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin Show to discuss which players are likely facing the tag from Dak Prescott to Chris Godwins. While all of them hold some degree of intrigue, there is only one in his mind that could lead to potential “fireworks” as he put it. This being Robinson and the Bears.
He is pretty certain the receiver would not play under the tag.
From the way Darlington puts it, he is warning that Robinson isn’t just prepared to hold out for training camp as some would do in his situation. This could potentially drag into the regular season. The wide receiver in his mind is that determined not to let the tag determine the course of his career and would be willing to maybe sacrifice all of 2021 if need be. Similar to what Le’Veon Bell did a couple of years ago in Pittsburgh.
This would create a difficult situation for the Bears. They’d be given only a few courses of action. They meet Robinson’s asking price. Something that doesn’t seem likely at this point. They could rescind the tag and let him hit the open market. Not ideal given his importance to their 2021 playoff hopes. Tagging and trading him to another team is possible. Or they can do what Pittsburgh did with Bell. Keep him tagged. This way he either sits out the season or signs the tender and plays.
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Projected 2021 Franchise Tag #s:
💰 Dak Prescott: $37.691M
💰 Allen Robinson II: $18M
💰 Haason Reddick: $14.630M@PFF_Brad takes a look at franchise tag candidates for all 32 NFL teamshttps://t.co/SdrmvSh0ma
— PFF (@PFF) February 24, 2021
Is Allen Robinson truly worth such a headache?
It feels like the Bears are reaching a point where they have to ask this question. Robinson is a really good player. He’s been the one constant in their offensive struggles the past two years. Yet is he truly a superstar? Some will say yes. Others have reservations. While a tremendous route runner with strong hands, his lack of explosion has put a cap on the big plays he’s produced for them. Robinson has always been more of a great mover of the chains.
If he truly wants top receiver money, which he’s in his right to do then the Bears need to think about sacrificing him. Not only is their money situation tight, but they have alternatives at their disposal in the event he leaves anyway. The 2021 veteran receiver market is expected to be rich in free agency this year. They can probably find a solid contributor at a price more favorable to them. On top of that, there is a lot of excitement around the incoming draft class as well.
Make no mistake. His loss would be felt in the short-term.
That said, Allen Robinson is not irreplaceable. Almost no wide receiver is. The nature of the modern NFL has made that position plentiful with talent. If the Bears can get the quarterback position right, they can field a competitive passing attack without him. Tagging and trading him or letting him walk with expectations they get a 3rd round compensatory pick in 2022 are both real possibilities.