REPORT: Allen Robinson Contract Talks With Bears Gaining Steam
The week did not start off as a positive one for the Chicago Bears. Despite a huge comeback victory in Detroit, there was a lot of negative emotion around the team. This due to the actions of their star wide receiver Allen Robinson who deleted all references to the team from his social media. Reports were he was frustrated over the lack of progress in talks about a contract extension. It got to a point where it’s rumored he inquired about the possibility of a trade.
As if sensing the danger, both head coach Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace met with the disgruntled receiver to air out their feelings. Robinson called the conversations “spirited” and said he felt much better after their conclusion. He was committed to continue playing through the rest of the season. This at least offered hope that the two sides could end up working out the deal.
Team chairman George McCaskey added to this when he told WGN Radio that he was “very optimistic” the issue would be resolved. Sure enough, not 24 hours later Ian Rapoport delivered a new update indicating the two sides have ramped up talks and an extension could be secured before kickoff on Sunday.
After a tumultuous week that saw Allen Robinson delete references to his team on social media, the #Bears & the star WR resumed contract talks, sources say. There is still a significant gap to close to finish it before kickoff but the #ExtendAR movement of support gains momentum.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 19, 2020
Allen Robinson talks likely aided by L.A. Rams
So what changed? Reports were the two sides were separated by around $2 million per year. The Bears were around Cooper Kupp territory at $16 million whereas Robinson wanted closer to Odell Beckham Jr. at $18 million. It appears the big extension signed by Chargers star Keenan Allen at just over $20 million gave the Bears pause. Belief is they were waiting the market out a little longer to see if it might swing back in their direction.
Sure enough, the Los Angeles Rams struck a deal with Robert Wood, giving him a four-year extension at $16.25 million per year. It’s believed that is what firmly set the market, allowing the Bears and Robinson to move forward. Obviously there is still plenty of work left to do before crossing the finish line.