Bears running back Tarik Cohen just received a big payday last weekend, where he signed a three-year, $17.25 million extension to remain in Chicago through 2023.
But that wasn’t the contract extension talk that had the NFL world buzzing last week. Bears receiver Allen Robinson dominated headlines when he scrubbed his social media of all references to the Bears, which was clearly a reflection of his frustrations in trying to get a contract extension done.
Cohen, who pushed for Robinson to get an extension even before he was taken care of, continued to advocate for Robinson to get an extension from the Bears.
“It’s definitely time for him to get his, to get extended,” Cohen told reporters Tuesday. “I even left some money on the plate. I took less so he could get more, so to say.”
Tarik Cohen, who just received a contract extension, on Allen Robinson: "It’s definitely time for him to get his, to get extended. I even left some money on the plate. I took less so he could get more, so to say." #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 22, 2020
Cohen acknowledged he was joking about leaving money on the table, but he continues to back Robinson’s desire to get a deserving extension from the Bears.
I was joking 😂 but everything he gets he earned ‼️ https://t.co/41PXxHHmdB
— Tarik Cohen (@TarikCohen) September 22, 2020
Following rumors of a potential trade request, Allen’s representation insisted his desire is to sign an extension with Chicago. This public contract dispute certainly brought attention to the issue. The Bears have resumed contract talks and are focused on coming to an agreement on an extension that would keep Robinson in Chicago for the foreseeable future, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
As for the hold-up on the extension, it had to do with the money. The Bears wanted to pay Robinson in the $15 million to $16 million per year range, but Robinson felt like he deserves around $18 million per year.
With the Bears resuming contract negotiations with Robinson, we’ll see how long it takes for the team to lock up its best offensive player.
