An Allen Robinson Trade? Why It's Heading That Direction

Narratives have a way of shifting in the NFL over time. When the Chicago Bears initially failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension with Allen Robinson, one of two explanations were accepted. Either the Bears were trying to lowball their star wide receiver. Or Robinson was demanding more money than his market value would indicate. As time has gone on, people are starting to reach a different realization. Does Robinson really want to stay in Chicago? Remember this man turns 28-years old next year. He doesn't have a lot of prime years left in his career. Thus far he's spent them with Blake Bortles, Mitch Trubisky, and Nick Foles. Given the Bears' track record at quarterback and how awful their offense has been, it's fair to wonder if the receiver even wants to stay.

It's a serious question that must be asked.

Odds are longer than ever the Bears will bring him back to the table now. With the season starting to slowly slip away at 5-3 after a 5-1 start, GM Ryan Pace has a decision to make. Does he keep trying to work something out or is it time to think about life after A-Rob? General feelings are Robinson won't be working out a new deal. That means the franchise tag is likely in his future. At that point, the Bears will use him for one more year and then let him walk in free agency. Or they will secure his rights with the intent of trading him. That latter scenario isn't out of the question. Teams have utilized the tag-and-trade strategy much more often in recent years. See Dee Ford and Yannick Ngakoue for example. Robinson might be next.

Allen Robinson could be going the Alshon Jeffery route

For those who need a quick refresher, the Bears have seen this movie before. Jeffery failed to sign an extension in 2016 despite reports of the team constantly trying. It became clear soon enough the receiver had no interest in returning to Chicago. After leaving for Philadelphia, he cited the Bears' inability to build a consistent offense as a primary reason he left. By the look of things, Robinson is headed down that same path. First the removal of any social media mention of the Bears. Then the gradual lessening of communication with the front office. It's clear as day watching him on the field that he is frustrated. Rightfully so. He wants to win but anybody with eyes knows a team won't win a championship with an offense like this.

So he may have no choice.

He'll have to force the Bears' hand. Make it perfectly clear he has no plans to sign an extension with them. At that point, GM Ryan Pace will have to find suitors for a possible trade. That shouldn't be hard. Robinson is one of the best receivers in the NFL. There will be plenty of teams interested in his services. Eight games remain in the season. That is how long the Bears have to change his mind.