(670 The Score) Bears receiver Allen Robinson in March signed the franchise tag tender that he had previously hoped to avoid in 2021, believing it was "best at the time" for him. Despite that outcome, he's heading toward another season of uncertainty with a better frame of mind.
The tension between Robinson and the Bears regarding his contractual future spilled into public view during the 2020 regular season, fueled in part by his own social media posts and those from supportive teammates. Robinson produced a career-best 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns in 2020 but still wasn't offered the lucrative long-term contract that he covets.
While the 27-year-old Robinson and the Bears have until July 15 to work out a long-term agreement, he's keeping his focus on the field for 2021.
"Contract or no contract, I'm in position to do things that no Bears receiver has done throughout the history of the Chicago Bears," Robinson said Tuesday after being named the veteran winner of the Brian Piccolo Award. "Being one of the first franchises and being around for a long time, there are certain (records) out there to be had. And for that I'm very excited.
"I'm in a good place at this point in time. There's some very big accomplishments that can be had this season that have never been done before for the Chicago Bears. Also being able to and wanting to get back to the playoffs and things like that. So, I mean, it's going to be an exciting year."
Signed by the Bears in 2018, Robinson is currently 11th on the franchise's all-time receptions leaderboard and would climb to third on that list if he produced another season of 102 catches. The late, great Walter Payton holds Chicago's all-time receptions mark with 492 -- a record Robinson would need at least two seasons to catch.
Robinson could also conceivably set the Bears' single-season receptions record -- 118 catches for Brandon Marshall in 2013 -- and strive for the most receiving touchdowns in a season, a mark of 13 shared by Dick Gordon (1970) and Ken Kavanaugh (1947). Robinson caught 14 touchdowns in his second NFL season, which came with the Jaguars in 2015.
Robinson and the Bears engaged in contract extension negotiations last September, but those discussions broke down later that month without an agreement in place. The open market was lean for receivers this offseason. Kenny Golladay, a player to whom Robinson is often compared, signed the top deal for a receiver in free agency in reaching a four-year, $72-million contract with the Giants.
That gives Golladay, 27, an average annual salary of $18 million, which is what Robinson is due on the franchise tag this upcoming season. In 2020, the Cowboys' Amari Cooper and the Chargers' Keenan Allen each signed contract extensions that pay them $20 million annually. A diminished salary cap for the 2021 season combined with a deep receiver class in the NFL Draft led to a decline in the open market for free agents at the position.
Prior to Robinson, the Bears last utilized the franchise tag in 2016 with top receiver Alshon Jeffery. After a breakdown in contract talks with Jeffery's agent -- who also happens to represent Robinson -- he was allowed to walk as a free agent the following offseason.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
