(670 The Score) Back in the fall when star receiver Allen Robinson and the Bears last worked on a contract extension, there was little leverage on Robinson's side.
He was on a path toward free agency as the NFL's salary cap was shrinking due to financial fallout of the pandemic-altered 2020 season. Robinson hadn't yet stacked back-to-back elite seasons in his career, and the Bears recognized he wasn't going to command the $20 million annually that he coveted on the open market. Their negotiations ended in September, and Robinson signed his franchise tag tender this spring.
The dynamic has since swung to Robinson's favor at the bargaining table. He has a combined 200 receptions over the last two seasons and is set to become a free agent next spring as the salary cap is expected to rise to approximately $208.2 million in 2022. With that, Robinson's market value can increase too.
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As the Bears and Robinson approach their July 15 deadline to reach a contract extension -- a date set by the use of the franchise tag -- it appears unlikely the two sides will reach an agreement. They haven't negotiated in earnest since last September, when Robinson drew support from teammates on social media and his contract status became a public matter.
Robinson, 27, seemed at peace with his contract situation when attended the Bears' veteran minicamp in June, saying he wouldn't hold out. He's set to earn just shy of $18 million in 2021.
"I don't have any updates," Robinson said of his contract future. "At the end of the day, it's out of my control.
"Whatever comes from the contract standpoint will come from that. That's not totally in my control, either way. So, being able to control what I can, not setting myself back in any kind of way, not forfeiting anything with money in any kind of way, those are all things that go into what I want to do and the things I want to accomplish, not only team-wise but personally.
"It's something that just makes sense."
Before the league's financial fallout became clear, the salary that Robinson coveted was in focus. Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper signed a five-year, $100-million deal in March 2020, and Chargers receiver Keenan Allen later signed a four-year, $80.1-million contract. Robinson wasn't offered the same kind of contract as his peers.
Robinson and the Bears could reconvene at the negotiating table after the 2021 season if they pass July 15 without an extension. But if Robinson performs at a high level and catches 100 passes once again in 2021, he would be best suited to hit the open market. Of course, the Bears could prevent that from happening by tendering the franchise tag once again, though that would be costly.
At the least, the July 15 deadline allows Robinson and the Bears to put aside their contract impasse and focus on football.
And if Robinson shines again in 2021, he could position himself to finally break the bank.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.