The Chicago Bears know they have work to do this offseason. If they want to get out of the mediocrity they’ve been in the past two years, they have to make some smart moves to get them pointed in the right direction. It starts with finding a quarterback. GM Ryan Pace is hard at work with that. Carson Wentz, Derek Carr, Sam Darnold, and of course Deshaun Watson have all been discussed. However, that isn’t his only important piece of business. There is also the Allen Robinson situation.
The 28-year old wide receiver is set to become a free agent this March. Chicago has been trying to extend him for months without success. It isn’t clear which side is more to blame than the other. All that is known is they haven’t reached common ground. Now fans are left wondering if the Bears will let him slip away or if they can rally in the eleventh hour to make something happen.
Of course, they do have the franchise tag in their back pocket too.
This is where it gets interesting. On Monday following the Super Bowl, the Bears released a video showcasing several key players in sharp black and white stills with a caption stating “2021 starts now.” Among those players involved? Allen Robinson.
We can’t wait. 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/yp9NJJPV8o
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 8, 2021
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For some, this was an interesting development. A clear indication from the team that they fully expect the wide receiver to be back next season. Where it gets even better is just a few hours later, Robinson posted this cryptic tweet.
🤔
— Allen Robinson II (@AllenRobinson) February 8, 2021
Now that by itself isn’t much to go on. However, the context wasn’t too long in arriving. Later that evening, Robinson’s agent Brandon Parker actually responded to the video directly with an emoji of his own. One that is pretty similar to the one Robinson himself used.
🧐
— Brandon Parker (@B_Parker21) February 9, 2021
This means one of two things for Allen Robinson
The first possibility? Both Robinson and Parker were somewhat surprised by the presumptuousness of the video and indicating it might be a bit too early to assume anything on his future in Chicago. Or it could mean they and the Bears have returned to the negotiating table and might be nearing some sort of agreement on a contract extension. One that will finally put an end to this saga.
Naturally the latter would be the big hope here. Rumors have circulated for a long time that Allen Robinson may want out of Chicago. He has flatly denied this multiple times, stating he loves the city and would prefer to stay. Some though think the combination of the contract standoff and the questions at quarterback are enough to compel him to find a way out of town.
If he was truly intent on leaving though then why react to the video at all?
The new league year begins on March 17th. Prior to that, teams will have between February 23rd and March 9th to use the franchise tag. So there clarity on the situation will happen within the next month. Either the Bears will successfully secure their star receiver to an extension or they’ll tag him. It would be a major shock if they do neither.
