It all started last fall during training camp. It was a sunny day at Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Blake Bortles had tossed a ball toward the end zone with Allen Robinson his intended target.
The ball sailed a bit too far off its course.
Robinson was caught on video, verbally expressing his frustration with the terrible throw. I will paraphrase his words, removing one or two key words.
"“Keep that in bounds!”"
The Jacksonville Jaguars had to have known they had an unhappy camper. Thankfully for one lucky franchise, it looked as though Robinson may wind up wanting out after his contract expired the next year.
Well, that time is now, and there haven’t been any concrete indications that Jacksonville will use the franchise tag or extend a multi-year deal to their number one wideout.
During my conversation with #Jaguars WR Allen Robinson, we discussed his impending free agency. He told me the two sides haven't had contract negotiations since last year's training camp.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) February 22, 2018
Keep in mind, it's still early in the offseason and those negotiations still could happen.
If you’re a Jaguars fan, this doesn’t look promising.
Fortunately, I am likely writing to a large majority of Bears fans. Also good for Bears fans is the fact that Chicago will likely be in the conversation for Robinson’s services if he hits the market.
Told on #Bears pursuit of Allen Robinson not to underestimate recruiting pitch new RBs Coach Charles London will offer. Expected to add multiple WRs and considered front runners for highly coveted FA Trey Burton.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) February 17, 2018
We all know what Robinson brings to the table. In 2015 and 2016, he combined to catch 153 balls for 2,283 yards and 20 touchdowns. The numbers speak for themselves.
Robinson is a big body with phenomenal athleticism. At 24 years old, sporting a 6’3″ frame and the ability to go up and get the ball in tough spots, he would be the most welcomed signing to this offense since Chicago went out and got Brandon Marshall.
This is a match made in heaven if Robinson does indeed hit the open market. Just picture Trubisky under center with Jordan Howard in the backfield, Tarik Cohen creatively sprinkled in somewhere and Robinson lined up outside. I can promise you this: Nagy would have a lot of fun, and so would us fans.