Chicago Bears News: Allen Robinson receives franchise tag, what’s next?

In what may have been the worst kept secret of the NFL off-season, the Chicago Bears announced on Tuesday that they have placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Allen Robinson.

Robinson and the Bears appear to be at odds in regards to their current contract negotiations as there have been no discussions between the two sides since September of last year. Robinson has taken to social media to take cryptic shots at the Bears while his agent has been highly critical of off-season comments made by Bears’ general manager Ryan Pace.

Tuesday’s move likely will do nothing in resolving the tension between Robinson and the Bears’ front office. What the transaction does do is buy the Bears more time to work out a long-term contract extension with Robinson. With the franchise tag applied, the Bears and Robinson have until July 15 to come to terms on a long-term contract extension. If the two sides are unable to come to terms, Robinson will play the 2021 season with a cap hit of $16,430,000.

So, what is next for Allen Robinson and the Chicago Bears going forward?

For Robinson and the Bears, they now have until July to come to terms on a long-term contract extension. For all sides involved, a long-term extension between the Bears and Robinson is what is best. Robinson receives the long-term security that he has been seeking whereas the Bears are able to keep their primary receiver in the fold. The tag also allows the Bears to figure out their salary cap situation first before finalizing an extension for Robinson.

What if Robinson and the Chicago Bears are unable to reach a long-term deal?

If a long-term deal is not finalized between the Bears and Robinson, then chances are the 2021 season will be the last season that Robinson plays for them. Robinson has not been shy of his criticism over how the Bears (specifically Pace) have handled negotiations. It stands that if no deal is reached in July, that would be the nail in the coffin for any potential long-term future for Robinson with the Bears.

What’s next for the Chicago Bears in terms of their 2021 offseason plans?

All eyes are on the quarterback position. Quarterback is without question the most important need that the Bears have. Russell Wilson has been the priority for the Bears this off-season. With Robinson being tagged, the Bears now can put all their attention towards acquiring the Seahawks’ pro-bowl quarterback.

Not to mention, if the Bears were to acquire Wilson, the team would have time to make room within the salary cap for an extension of Robinson by July 15. For now, we know that Allen Robinson will be with the Chicago Bears in 2021.