Chicago Bears: Allen Robinson, Sammy Watkins about to hit free agency?
Jarvis Landry just got some competition on the free agent market as Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins may have officially become options for the Chicago Bears.
Chicago Bears fans have been waiting anxiously for news about which wide receivers would find themselves available in NFL free agency for months now.
And in many ways, this was the day, in particular, everyone was waiting for. At least then, we would know whether teams would use the franchise tag to stave off potentially losing players on the open market.
Of course, many eyes have been on Jarvis Landry and the possibility of pulling off a tag-and-trade with the Miami Dolphins.
But as of right now, that plan probably just hit the back burner for the Chicago Bears.
Why? Because Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins look like they’re going to become unrestricted free agents.
The #Jaguars have informed WR Allen Robinson that they won’t be applying the franchise or transition tag, I’m told. The team has until March 12 to work out a deal before he’s a free agent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2018
In Robinson’s case, we know a bit more for certain.
He definitely won’t receive a tag, but the Jacksonville Jaguars could still sign him to a deal before he hits the market. With that said, they apparently feel good enough about Marqise Lee to let Robinson potentially walk away.
With Watkins, we’re still waiting on the official news about whether or not he’ll receive the tag.
If Rams use franchise tag today it will be on safety Lamarcus Joyner. WR Sammy Watkins won't get tagged. Team would like to keep both
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 6, 2018
Most of the speculation out there right now suggests that the Rams will tag Lamarcus Joyner, not Watkins. Though they want to keep both, they clearly don’t want to pay the injury-prone Watkins over $16 million as the Dolphins are with Landry.
As such, they, as well as other teams, will look to sign him at a reduced price. However, a team like the Bears, who are flush with cap space, could lure him away.
In either case, though, this situation is wonderful for the Chicago Bears.
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At least one receiver better than Landry (Robinson) just entered the free agent fray potentially, giving the Bears an option that they don’t have to give up draft capital and spend an exorbitant amount for.
And if this influx of top receivers fouls up the Dolphins’ trade market, it could also drive down the asking price for Landry if the Bears want to go that way.
After all, now that Landry has signed his franchise tender, the Dolphins can’t rescind it and let him test free agency. And if they cut him, they eat $16 million, which is out of the question. So they’re now under the gun to deal him, or he has to stay.
Next: Jarvis Landry's agent in talks with Bears
If I’m Ryan Pace, I’m camping outside Robinson’s house as soon as it isn’t considered tampering. If his medicals check out, he would change everything for the Chicago Bears.
It’s game time. Let’s go.