fbpx
Skip to main content

Chicago Bears rumors: Allen Robinson trade could be in the cards this offseason

Chicago Bears GM wants to retain star receiver Allen Robinson
Nov 11, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears rumors thus far this offseason have focused on the quarterback position. They are said to be in on both Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson as the Bears look to upgrade from Mitchell Trubisky under center.

However, there’s another big-name player who will obviously have a major impact on the Bears’ success moving forward. That’s none other than star 27-year-old wide receiver Allen Robinson.

An impending free agent, Robinson was the subject of trade rumors ahead of the November deadline. There seems to be very little chance he returns to Chicago after recording 102 receptions for 1,250 yards for the Bears a season ago. With that said, Chicago might not let Robinson get away for free.

With contract extension talks between Robinson and the Bears non-existent since September, the franchise tag becomes an option. From there, anything can happen.

Read More: Chicago Bears draft picks: Top 2021 selections, ideal prospects to target

Chicago Bears open to franchising, trading Allen Robinson

Allen Robinson
Dec 13, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) goes up for the football in the third quarter against Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

“That would certainly seem to bring the (franchise) tag into play,” NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero noted. “Whether it is the Bears to try to do an extension, whether it is setting up Robinson to play on the tag, or maybe even a tag-and-trade scenario.”

A tag-and-trade scenario is not something we see every day. However, it could very well come into play here. Chicago enables Robinson to pick a handful of teams he wants to be traded to. In turn, he’s not forced to play with the Bears under the franchise tag and could sign a contract extension with his new team.

Read More: Chicago Bears quarterback: Best options to become starting QB in 2021

We saw a similar situation occur between fellow wide receiver Jarvis Landry and the Miami Dolphins back in 2018. While it was clear the free agent was not going to return to South Beach, Miami wanted to get something back in return for Landry.

It ultimately traded him to the Cleveland Browns after placing the franchise tag on the receiver. In return, the Dolphins received a fourth and seventh-round pick. Landry then signed a five-year, $75.5 million extension with Cleveland.

As it relates to a potential Allen Robinson tag-and-trade scenario, he’d likely net the Bears more than Miami got for Landry. That has to be an attractive option for Chicago general manager Ryan Pace.

Related: Top NFL free agents of 2023 – Lamar Jackson, and Deebo Samuel lead the charge

Expect Chicago Bears rumors to ramp up as it relates to wide receiver

Las Vegas Raiders: JuJu Smith-Schuster
Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

If the Bears are forced to move on from Robinson, they’ll have to find a receiver in free agency. What players might be interested in joining Chicago will depend heavily on the quarterback situation. That’s a given.

Darnell Mooney was the Bears’ second-leading pass catcher from the wide receiver position with 61 receptions a season ago. Needless to say, Chicago must find more receiver help in free agency.

The good news here is that the Bears will have a ton of options. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Curtis Samuel, Marvin Jones, Corey Davis, T.Y. Hilton, Will Fuller and A.J. Green are all proven receivers set to hit the open market.

The bad news? Chicago currently finds itself $577,000 over the projected 2021 NFL salary cap with the quarterback situation still unsettled. Yeah, Pace and Co. have a lot of work ahead of them this offseason.

Click below for more Chicago Bears rumors.

Related: If you’re a fan of the Bears, check out #DaBears rumors, rankings, and news here

Mentioned in this article:

More About: