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Allen Robinson, Bears don’t reach extension agreement before deadline — so WR will play 2021 season under franchise tag

dan wiederer, chicago tribune
·2 min read

CHICAGO — There were no last-minute surprises. The deadline for the Chicago Bears to sign Allen Robinson to a long-term extension passed Thursday at 3 p.m. Central, leaving the wide receiver to play the 2021 season under the franchise tag.

Robinson will make $17.9 million under the tag but won’t be able to sign a new contract with the Bears until after next season at the earliest.

If Robinson and the Bears remain at odds in their negotiations into next offseason, his representatives would then be able to begin conversations with other teams and test the open market starting March 14.

In the meantime, he will have to put his contract wishes on the back burner and work through any lingering hard feelings. The Bears report to training camp at Halas Hall on July 27.

“At the end of the day, it’s out of my control,” Robinson said of his contract status last month. “Right now, I’m just focusing on things I can control — coming back, being the best player I can be and trying to help the offense continue to improve. That’s the main focus for me.”

Robinson had 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns last season becoming just the fourth player in team history to record at least 100 receptions in a season. Brandon Marshall reached that milestone twice with 118 catches in 2012 and 100 the next season. Matt Forte set an NFL record for receptions in a season by a running back with 102 in 2014, and Marty Booker had 100 grabs in 2001.

In three seasons with the Bears, Robinson has averaged six catches for 70 yards per game while totaling 17 touchdowns. In his two postseason games with the Bears, Robinson has contributed 16 catches, 198 yards and a TD.

With veteran Andy Dalton projected to be the Bears’ Week 1 starter at quarterback and rookie Justin Fields pushing to get himself ready to play, Robinson figures to remain the Bears’ top target in the passing game and should be set up for another productive season.