CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears have used the franchise tag on wide receiver Allen Robinson, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.
The tag puts Robinson under contract for the 2021 season for about $18 million, 120% of his 2020 salary. The Bears also could work out a long-term deal with Robinson before the mid-July deadline.The non-exclusive franchise tag allows Robinson to negotiate with other teams, but the Bears could match another team’s offer or receive two first-round draft picks from the team that signs him.
Talks between the Bears and Robinson’s representation about a possible extension stalled early last season, and Bears general manager Ryan Pace noted the tag was an option in his postseason news conference. He reiterated that stance last week.
“Obviously we have a ton of respect for Allen,” Pace said. “And then we have to do what’s best for the Bears too. We consider everything. The league gives us the franchise tag as an option. That tool’s there for a reason.”
Robinson made it known he wasn’t in favor of being tagged, preferring to head into free agency. His options now are limited, though he could ask for a trade or threaten to hold out during training camp or the season if the Bears don’t offer a long-term deal to his liking.
Pace wouldn’t discuss the details of what was holding up an extension.
“It’s just part of the process, and it’s just going to take both parties to work together to make something work,” he said. “I know Allen wants to be a Chicago Bear and we want him to be a Chicago Bear, and it’s a sensitive process that we’re kind of in the middle of. And we’ve got to work through it.”
Robinson, 27, is entering his eighth NFL season. He was coming off a torn ACL when he signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears in 2018, Matt Nagy’s first season as coach.
He has been the Bears’ best offensive player in his three seasons, totaling 255 catches for 3,151 yards and 17 touchdowns. He had a career-high 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns in 2020.
Bears coaches and players also have lauded his professionalism and the example he sets for players such as Darnell Mooney, who was second on the team with 61 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie in 2020. The Bears also have wide receivers Anthony Miller, Javon Wims and Riley Ridley under contract for 2021.
Pace last used the franchise tag on wide receiver Alshon Jeffery in 2016, and Jeffery left for the Eagles the following season. Pace used the transition tag on cornerback Kyle Fuller in 2018 and then matched the Green Bay Packers’ offer sheet to keep Fuller with the Bears.
Robinson was the second wide receiver to receive the franchise tag ahead of Tuesday’s 3 p.m. deadline. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tagged Chris Godwin. The Detroit Lions opted not to tag Kenny Golladay, and the former Chicago St. Rita and Northern Illinois standout will head into free agency.
