This time of year can be dangerous in the NFL. Too many hints, rumors, and quotes can be misconstrued to mean something they don’t. Knowing that doesn’t make them any easier to ignore though. The Chicago Bears free agent enthusiasts got an unwelcome carrot on a stick courtesy of one of the top names expected to hit the open market come March 14th.
Allen Robinson is among the most fascinating names this off-season. In 2015 it looked like the wide receiver was destined for superstardom. He hauled in 80 catches for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. From Blake Bortles no less. The next year he suffered a regression due to Bortles’ struggles and then in 2017 tore his ACL early in the year.
Now his future is clouded. Conventional wisdom believes the Jacksonville Jaguars will use the franchise tag to ensure he stays on the roster. However, that is not set in stone just yet. There is a possibility he may yet reach the open market. Were that to happen, Chicago would be one of the many teams battling for his services. Do they have a prayer if that happened?
Robinson Instagram gives Chicago Bears free agent hopes a boost
Based on what Robinson himself just unloaded on Instagram, that’s a big affirmative. The receiver was all smiles in a new photograph showing him on the front stoop of his house. That itself isn’t a big deal. It’s more what he’s wearing underneath his jacket that set off alarm bells.
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It’s easy to jump to conclusions here. Just because Robinson is wearing a Cubs jersey doesn’t mean the Bears will be his predetermined destination. At the same time, it certainly won’t hurt their chances if he becomes available. He no doubt would probably love to attend more games at Wrigley Field and would get paid loads of money by the city to do so.
There’s also another interesting factor at play here. Robinson is a native of Detroit, Michigan. Coming to Chicago would put him a short one-hour plane ride from his hometown. Not to mention the visits he’d be able to make there every year when the Bears play the Lions. It’s not a bad setup. Get paid tons of money. Close proximity to your favorite baseball team. A rock’s throw away from your home city.
That would certainly make the Bears’ pitch much easier. Whether they get the opportunity? That’s for the Jaguars to decide.
