When the Chicago Bears used its 2021 franchise brand on wide receiver Allen Robinson, the change did not necessarily require the veteran’s return as much as a contentious off-season, with both sides failing for months to a long term. ESPN’s report on Thursday that Robinson “was in no hurry” to sign a year’s sticker seemed to solidify that. Except now, hours later, according to the NFL Network, the wideout did just that, embracing a 2021 comeback in the wake of the team that allegedly welcomed fellow receiver Kenny Golladay on a free agent visit.
Golladay, the former Lions Pro Bowler and arguably the best left start on the open market, was not expected to draw the interest of the Bears, who are reportedly facing the Bengals and Giants, among others, to hit the pass receiver. After paying a visit to Chicago, ProFootballTalk reported that Robinson “suddenly … adjusted his position in relation to the franchise brand” and “(turned) not to want to sign to take it seriously”.
It is possible that Robinson was intrigued by the idea of playing opposite Golladay, but Florio speculated that he simply realized that the $ 17.9 million tag was his best opportunity for elite earnings in 2021.
While it is unlikely, for example, it is possible that the Bears could have chosen to sign Golladay and terminate the etiquette, leaving Robinson to find another business in a market that has proven to be quieter than expected for the main catchers so far. Now that Robinson has signed the label, however, he has secured himself $ 17.9 million for 2021 and will have another chance to reach the free agency in 2022.
Either way, the Bears don’t seem any closer to actually extending Robinson, who could have won the biggest deal for any free agent if he didn’t really have a contract.