Chicago Bears Franchise-Tag Star Wide Receiver Allen Robinson

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chicago Bears have placed the franchise tag on stud wideout Allen Robinson.

Chicago and Robinson failed to agree to a long-term extension during the season, which forced the Bears to tag the veteran or risk losing him for nothing in free agency. Because he had a $15 million cap charge last season, Robinson would make $18 million if he plays out the 2021 season under the terms of the tag.

The Bears could avoid that scenario by either reaching a long-term agreement with the star by the July 15 deadline or by trading him after tagging him. Some say that a trade is still plausible.

Robinson’s agent, Brandon Parker, told Schefter in September that Robinson was unhappy that the Bears were unwilling to pay him top tier wideout money. That being said, Robinson did not request a trade.

“We have a history of extending our players,” Bears general manager Ryan Pace said. “We usually find a way to make that work. The proof is kind of in the pudding with that. And every one of them is different. Every one of them is personal, and that’s why I’m sensitive, and I hope you guys understand, about talking about that in the media.

The 27-year-old who came over from the Jaguars after the 2017 season, caught a career-high 102 passes throughout the 2020 season for 1,250 yards. He did this despite the fact that the Bears used two different quarterbacks – Nick Foles and Mitchell Trubisky – and in spite of the offense’s struggles.

Robinson broke onto the NFL’s scene in 2015 with Jacksonville when he earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. He hauled in 80 passes for 1,400 yards and scored a whopping 14 touchdowns. However, during Week 1 of his final year in Jacksonville, Robinson suffered a season-ending knee injury. Many were not sure Robinson would be able to bounce back to elite status, however, he has been brilliant since signing with the Bears.

Although he struggled in his first season with Chicago, Robinson dominated in 2019, leading all Bears’ wideouts with 98 receptions for 1,147 yards and seven scores. He has led the team in receiving each of the three seasons he has been with the franchise. Assuming he isn’t traded, Robinson will look to build off his career-year with the Bears in 2021.