Allen Robinson could easily have a self-centered goal in mind. One that is focused on increasing his earning potential as high as it will go and become a free agent in 2021. This is one of the reasons he signed just a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears. The idea was to hopefully re-establish himself as a top receiver in the league and then get a new contract while he was still in the prime years of his career.
This he has done. With three games left to play, Robinson has 898 yards and seven touchdowns. Barring an unexpected stumble, he will become the first Bears receiver to crack 1,000 yards receiving since 2014. An honor that belonged to Alshon Jeffery. Perhaps this is what has Bears fans so nervous. Jeffery forced his way out of town back in 2017 despite building his career in Chicago. They fear Robinson might end up doing the same.
In truth, that doesn't seem to be the end game for the 26-year old. He has loftier goals in mind. Those that involve not only staying in Chicago long-term but etching his name in the record books of this organization. Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times learned this first.
“I would love to be the Bears’ all-time leading receiver,” Robinson said. “With the longevity of the organization and players who have come before here, goals like that are big. Being the all-time leading receiver for a franchise like the Chicago Bears is special.
“I’ve really enjoyed my two years. We’ve won a lot of games. From an organization standpoint, it’s a top-flight organization and coaching staff.”
Allen Robinson smartly wants to stay where he's the man
Hearing a wide receiver say something like that should make any Bears fan flush with happiness. Too often the organization has been called a place where "receivers go to die." It's been quite the opposite for him. Robinson revived his career here. He had such a huge season in 2015 for the Jacksonville Jaguars and looked like the next big superstar. Then he tore his ACL and lost all his momentum. He came to Chicago because he liked the coaching staff and knew he'd be the #1 guy here.
The relationship has worked wonders. Robinson has become a star reborn with the Bears. A favorite target of Mitch Trubisky and somebody the offense can undeniably lean on to make the tough catches in big moments. Unlike Jeffery, he's doing this without the benefit of other stars like a Brandon Marshall eating up coverages elsewhere. The team would be foolish to not extend him at the earliest opportunity.
As of now, Robinson sits at 1,652 yards receiving as a Bear. The current franchise record holder is Johnny Morris with 5,059 yards. At his current pace, it would probably take around three more seasons to achieve his stated goal.
