INDIANAPOLIS (670 The Score) – Toward the end of this past season with the Bears, veteran receiver Allen Robinson again became frustrated by his contract impasse with the team.
Those negotiations were run by former Bears general manager Ryan Pace, who was fired in January. Now, it’s new general manager Ryan Poles who's in line to lead the negotiations with Robinson on a potential new deal. And just two weeks before Robinson is set to become an unrestricted free agent, Poles is preaching that the circumstances are different now with a new regime in charge.
“It’s more of a fresh start for everyone,” Poles said of Robinson on Tuesday at the NFL Combine. “I think through our moves and the staff we’ve put together, I think it shows that.”
Robinson, 28, recorded just 38 receptions and one touchdown in 12 games last season. He struggled to develop a connection with then-rookie quarterback Justin Fields, who became the Bears’ starter in the third game of the season. Robinson also dealt with an ankle injury in November that lingered late into the season.
The 2021 campaign was in stark contrast to the seasons prior. Robinson combined to record 200 receptions and 13 touchdowns from 2019-’20 despite inconsistent play from the Bears’ offense – and the quarterback position in particular.
Robinson and the Bears had discussions on a contract extension break down in September 2020 and never picked up those conversations in earnest. He played last season under the franchise tag.
The Bears currently have $25.7 million in available cap space, according to Spotrac. That ranks them in the top half of the league.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.