Chicago Bears receiver Allen Robinson has been in a prolonged standstill in terms of negotiations on a new contract as his deal expires this offseason. According to Tom Pelissaro of the NFL Network, Robinson’s camp hasn’t discussed a deal with the team since September.
“That would certainly seem to bring the [franchise] tag into play,” Pelissero said. “Whether it is the Bears to try to do an extension, whether it is setting up Robinson to play on the tag, or maybe even a tag-and-trade scenario.”
Last week, Robinson told SiriusXM NFL Radio that “everything” was on the table.
Free Agent WR Allen Robinson on a possible return to Chicago or signing somewhere else in 2021.
"As everything stands today, I would be open to everything on the table"
👇 Audio #Bears #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/IQSGnupD8V
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) February 11, 2021
“At this point, I’d pretty much be open to everything on the table,” Robinson said. “I’m not 100 percent sure what will happen in the next coming weeks as far as being a free agent and things like that, but as everything stands today, I definitely will be open to everything on the table.”
If the Bears were to tag him when the window opens on Tuesday, they could attempt to trade him. The reason why this might be a thought for them is due to limited cap space, as they are over the limit by a little more than $6 million. According to Over the Cap, the franchise tag amount for a receiver could cost around $16.4 million.
As Jags fans witnessed last season with Yannick Ngakoue, Robinson wouldn’t have to sign the tag immediately. However, if a trade partner stepped up to the plate, he would then have to sign the tag to be moved. In all probability, the team trading for him would have a long-term deal ironed out and Robinson would play on that.
Robinson is coming off his most productive season since he had 1,400 yards in Jacksonville in 2015, totaling 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns in 2020. The 2019 season, where he registered 1,147 yards with the Bears, was his third highest-total.
Jacksonville, who could use another receiver target, could try to bring Robinson (who it originally drafted) back into the fold either through free agency or through a trade. But for now, it’s clear that Robinson’s time in Chicago may be running short.
