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One of the big headlines this offseason for the Chicago Bears was the status of star receiver Allen Robinson, who remained unsigned heading into free agency. The Bears ultimately slapped the franchise tag on Robinson, as expected, ensuring that he would be in Chicago at least through 2021.
Robinson signed his franchise tag — guaranteeing he’ll make $18 million in 2021 — with the intent of earning a long-term extension in the future. NFL.com projected some long-term contracts for those players that received the franchise tag, including Robinson, who is slated to get a big pay day.
ROBINSON’S PROJECTED CONTRACT: Three years, $61 million ($20.3 million per year), with $42 million guaranteed
Robinson is one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL. The most effective limiting factor remains the player throwing him the football. His career list of quarterbacks makes the combined list of the Falcons’ Jones, the Chargers’ Allen and the Cowboys’ Cooper (Matt Ryan, Philip Rivers, Justin Herbert, Derek Carr and Dak Prescott) look like a Mount Rushmore of quarterbacks. Even taking into account Jones’ relatively advanced age (32), he is on a different level than the other players listed. However, he is included because he helps round out the $20 million-per-year club at receiver, along with Allen and Cooper. (Hopkins remains an outlier at $27.3 million per year.) Robinson could flirt with joining this club on his next contract.
Robinson and the Bears haven’t had contract discussions since last September, which isn’t encouraging for those hoping he remains in Chicago long-term. The Bears have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal with Robinson before he plays under his franchise tag in 2021.
Robinson has been Chicago’s most consistent — and best — player on offense over the last few years. He’s put together back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and been nothing short of extraordinary given his circumstance — catching passes from the likes of Mitchell Trubisky, Nick Foles and Chase Daniel over the last three years.
There’s no doubt Robinson is going to land another long-term extension — the only question is whether or not that’s in Chicago or elsewhere.
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