Negotiations between the Bears and top wideout Allen Robinson picked up last month after reports surfaced indicating that Robinson was unhappy with how contract talks had proceeded and after Robinson removed Bears-related references from his social media pages. Robinson, though, denied making a trade demand, and Chicago reportedly rebuffed all trade inquiries that came its way, so it seemed that there was a chance of a long-term accord coming together.
But Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports says that seems unlikely. La Canfora reports that the two sides remain at an impasse, and that the renewed negotiations did not gain any traction. One reason for that may be that Robinson sees himself as the top receiver in the 2021 free agent class, which means that he is likely shooting for a contract paying him at least $20MM per year. Statistically speaking, he doesn’t have the same resume as players like Michael Thomas and Julio Jones, but since Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper are also above the $20MM threshold, Robinson may well get that type of money on the open market.
Unfortunately for him, he might not be allowed to get to the open market. La Canfora reiterates his earlier report that this process will probably end with Robinson receiving the franchise tag, and that rarely makes a player happy. But with Nick Foles now under center for Chicago, Robinson may be able to bolster his bargaining position as the season unfolds.
Robinson is off to a solid start in the 2020 campaign, catching 18 passes for 230 yards and a score. His 3-0 Bears will battle the Colts this afternoon.