Chicago Bears fans have pretty much resigned themselves to the Allen Robinson situation at this point. They come to believe that 2021 could likely be his last year with the team. Chicago placed the franchise tag on him but no signs indicate the star receiver is anywhere close to a long-term extension. The two sides have until July 15th to change that but Robinson himself has continued to say there’s been no contact between his agent and the team since back in September of last year.
It sounds incredible to think about but the continued silence backs up those words. Are he and the Bears really that far apart on a number? It seems that is the case. What people can’t say for sure is what the number actually is. Insiders claimed the initial demand from Robinson was around the $18 million mark while Chicago was looking for somewhere closer to $16 million. After his strong 2020 season, the belief is his demand elevated closer to the $20 million mark.
That is where the NFL seems to think it’ll end up.
Anthony Holzman-Escareno of NFL.com ran projections for the long-term deals every franchise-tagged player is likely to receive. In regards to Robinson? It will be similar in length to his 2018 deal at three years. No doubt with the intent of dipping into the market one more time before he gets too old. As for the per year? It’s right around what his rumored demands are.
“ROBINSON’S PROJECTED CONTRACT: Three years, $61 million ($20.3 million per year), with $42 million guaranteed”
That number would make Robinson the third-highest paid receiver in the NFL. Just ahead of Keenan Allen and behind Julio Jones. That is a hefty price tag. Is he worth it? Depends on who you ask. A lot of Robinson fans would say yes as would other experts. Yet it’s important to ask the tougher question. Is he truly on the same level as Allen and Amari Cooper? The Bears don’t seem to think so. Kenny Golladay just got $18 million per year from the Giants. That is most likely closer to where Robinson is.
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Allen Robinson is betting on himself one more time
This feels like a situation where the receiver is fully prepared to play on the franchise tag if he must. He’s willing to gamble on himself once again. The idea being he plays this year, has another strong season, and then is free to enter free agency knowing there is no way the Bears are going to tag him a second time. It’s a big gamble. One that heavily depends on him staying healthy.
Allen Robinson though hasn’t missed a start in two years. So there is good reason for him to think he can do it. Then he’ll have far more leverage by this time next offseason. Either the Bears will pay his price or he will end up with another team that will. That is unless GM Ryan Pace and ownership change their tune in a big way over the next four months.
A lot will be determined by what happens in the draft.
If the Bears select a wide receiver early, that could be an indication they’re preparing to move on from Robinson after this season. If not? Perhaps that will be a sign there is still hope something gets done. The next 30 days are going to reveal a lot about where this team is headed, both in the short and long-term.
