It’s been over a week since the #ExtendAllenRobinson movement kicked up a notch after the Chicago Bears wide receiver made it known through social media and other avenues that he was unhappy with the progress of contract negotiations.
After talking with general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy last week, Robinson appeared to be in a better place about the situation. Reports even surfaced over the weekend indicating the extension possibility “had gained some momentum.” Now, it feels as if Robinson and the Bears are right back where they started.
When meeting the media on Wednesday afternoon, Robinson was asked by Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun Times if he was more optimistic about a deal being done. In a subdued tone, Robinson deflected the question, instead choosing to focus on the upcoming game.
“We know where we stand at, right now I’m just trying to focus on the Falcons,” he said.
Bears WR Allen Robinson is asked whether he's any more optimistic about getting a contract extension done than he was a week ago. He says, "We know where we stand," and that's about it. Doesn't sound like recent negotiations have made much headway.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) September 23, 2020
Later on, Robinson was asked about running back Tarik Cohen’s comments about leaving money on the table for the wide receiver and he simply said, “I told him I appreciate that,” in the same subdued tone as his other answer. Robinson was noticeably more upbeat when discussing topics such as rookie wide receiver Darnell Mooney’s development.
The answers Robinson provided aren’t anything new, but the tone of his voice may indicate he’s more discouraged than last week. Despite the willingness of the team and Robinson to find common ground, both parties still appear to be significantly apart.
Perhaps Robinson wasn’t in the mood to talk about his deal after coming off a lackluster game in the Bears’ Week 2 victory where he only caught three passes on nine targets for 33 yards. Or negotiations are still moving at a snail’s pace. Either way, it’s clearly been a sore subject and is the storyline that just won’t go away.
But if Wednesday’s media session is any indication, we’re no closer to a resolution. In the meantime, fans and players alike will keep the #ExtendAR movement alive.
