The NFL is always looking for ways to make more money. So when the rumors first began that they could move to a 17-game schedule in the future, most people believed it was inevitable. Sure enough, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport have reported this will indeed happen starting in 2021. The first time the schedule has been extended since 1978 when it moved from 14 games to 16 games. So what does this have to do with Allen Robinson, you ask?

Everybody knows the situation for the star Chicago Bears receiver. Despite hard negotiations, the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement on a contract extension for the 27-year old. The Bears have since broken off talks though one imagines they’ll try to restart them after the season ends. GM Ryan Pace stated one of the things making the process difficult was uncertainty over the 2021 cap which is projected to drop significantly. Perhaps even to $175 million down from $198.2 million.

This new expansion to 17 games could actually soften the blow.

“The NFL is planning to expand the regular season to 17 games in 2021 — a historic move that would generate new revenue and could at least slightly soften an anticipated drop in the salary cap next year, sources say…

…The sides negotiated a deal in August that spreads the accounting for the shortfall over several years and prevents the salary cap from dropping below $175 million in 2021 — compared to $198.2 million this year.

The cap is still likely to drop significantly in 2021, per sources, but the 17th game as part of a new media deal could boost it above that $175 million floor.”

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported a few weeks that the league might consider not dropping the salary cap as much as expected. This due to the rolling out of new COVID-19 vaccines and expanding TV revenue. Adding the 17th game only adds to the optimism that the money situation will return to normal by next year. So why rock the boat by dropping the cap and forcing several teams to possibly gut their rosters?

The Bears could be one of those teams with them projected to be almost $7 million over the cap starting next year. Even with a rollover, they still would be right up against the ceiling if it were to drop to $175 million. This would force them to make some difficult decisions regarding their payroll. So any softening of the blow could be huge.

Allen Robinson price tag has likely gone up

Reports a few months ago indicated the Bears and Robinson were a couple million dollars apart on a new deal. Chicago was hoping to secure him at around $16 million per year. Robinson wanted something closer to Odell Beckham Jr.’s money at $18 million. Apparently, the Bears upped the offer somewhat after rumors heated up of the receiver requesting a trade. Clearly, it wasn’t enough.

Now boasting his second-straight season over 1,000 yards, one can argue Robinson has every right to demand even more money than before. Perhaps pushing the $20 million per year mark which would place him in the top 5 among receivers in the league. Considering he continues to do what he does despite instability at quarterback only strengthens his argument.

A higher than expected cap would enable to Bears to consider it.

Time continues to prove that Allen Robinson is a legitimate #1 receiver. His blend of size, hands, and route running prowess stands among the best in the league. Losing him would be a crippling blow to this offense right when they seem to have started figuring things out. If nothing else, it would enable them to consider the franchise tag.

Robinson is worth the price. He means too much to this team both as a player and leader. Guys like him are hard to replace. For this organization in particular. Here’s hoping GM Ryan Pace or whoever replaces him ends up doing the right thing.