NEWSLETTER
The latest victory in the long-standing rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers wasn’t claimed on the field, but instead, in free agency.
In the latest installment of Mike Kaye’s series, “The Evolution of Allen Robinson,” over at First Coast News, Robinson discusses his decision to sign with the Bears as a free agent this offseason.
Obviously, a three-year offer worth $42 million is going to pique any player’s interest, but the Bears weren’t the only team in the hunt. The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns also showed some early interest, but apparently, it eventually came down to just Chicago and Green Bay – just how George Halas and Vince Lombardi would’ve drawn it up.
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In the end, Robinson chose the Bears over the Packers, giving the Bears their most notable victory against their arch rivals in quite some time. “With all things being equal, Chicago was a place I had my eyes on from a football standpoint,” Robinson told First Coast News.
Robinson added he is comfortable with the Bears’ situation, adding: “I wanted to be in Chicago.”
Let’s not overlook the importance of Robinson’s decision. The Packers have been awfully aggressive in free agency this winter/spring, adding tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson. They also signed Kyle Fuller to an offer sheet, and have shown interest in cornerback Trumaine Johnson, among others who eventually signed elsewhere.
Beating out the Packers for a top-tier free agency is a good get for the Bears. Losing Robinson to Green Bay would have been a bitter pill to swallow after clearing the necessary cap space to make a run at such a talented receiver.
So while the win didn’t come on the field where it matters most, you’ll take one when you can get it.
