The Chicago Bears have plenty of questions to answer this offseason, which obviously starts at the quarterback position. But there are issues beyond signal caller that need some resolution, as well.
One of the biggest questions this offseason is the status of wide receiver Allen Robinson, who is slated to become a free agent next month. Robinson has been Chicago’s best offensive player since arriving in 2018, and it’s a surprise that they haven’t locked him up with a contract extension.
Robinson has made it clear that he’d still like to remain with the Bears, if they’ll have him. But he’s also explained that every option is on the table this offseason as he seeks a contract that’s worthy of his performance over the last couple of seasons — back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in one of the league’s worst offenses.
ESPN NFL writers shared their bold predictions for each team this offseason. Here’s what ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson had to say about his bold prediction that this offseason will mark the loss of the offense’s most valuable player in Robinson:
The Bears will let wide receiver Allen Robinson II walk in free agency.
Robinson has been a great player for the Bears, but the team balked at extending the 27-year old receiver last year. Robinson is looking for top wide receiver dollars. Chicago values Robinson, but obviously not at that price. The Bears seem content to allow Robinson to test the market. If Robinson finds a team willing to pay big money, he’s gone.
You figure if the Bears really wanted to ensure Robinson stayed in Chicago without getting a chance to explore the free agent market that Pace would’ve signed him to a contract extension already. Sure, the Bears can use the franchise tag, where receivers are projected to get around $15.8 million in 2021. But that wouldn’t do well to lock him down for the long-term and would likely severe any ties between the two sides.
The salary cap is likely a possible reason for the hold-up between contract negotiations, as the salary cap is expected to decrease from $198.2 million to around $180 million in 2021. But if Pace wanted to ensure that Robinson remains in Chicago’s plans, he could make it work. After all, he’s done so in the past.
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