When Bears general manager Ryan Pace met with the media last week, he sounded like a man that was committed to keeping star receiver Allen Robinson in Chicago.
Given the Bears and Robinson haven’t had contact discussions since last September, it’s hard to believe that they’re going to suddenly hammer out a new deal anytime soon.
Which is why the assumption is that Chicago is going to place the franchise tag on Robinson. But with the deadline set for Tuesday at 3 p.m CT, the Bears are running out of time to ensure Robinson remains in Chicago — whether that’s with a long-term extension or with the franchise tag.
“We have a ton of respect for Allen,” Pace said. “We have to do what’s best for the Bears too. We consider everything. … No firm decision on that yet, but we know we have it at our disposal. … We want to keep our good players, and Allen is a good player for us.”
If Robinson gets the franchise tag, he would get paid $18 million in 2021. But Robinson has already made his feelings about the franchise tag clear — he believes (and is right) that he deserves a long-term extension.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the league would have to move back Tuesday’s deadline to franchise tag players if the official salary cap number isn’t settled upon soon. Rapoport noted that “it’s a situation several GMs are bracing for and would further stall business for a bit.”
Pace could be waiting to see what happens with the salary cap before using the franchise tag on Robinson. After listening to Pace talk about Robinson’s importance to this team, it’s hard to imagine the Bears letting him walk in free agency.
