NEWSLETTER
Allen Robinson’s social media activity created some serious waves today, friends. Because even as we’re just a couple days removed from the Bears’ thrilling Week 1 win over the Lions, the chatter at the moment surrounds Robinson and his lack of an extension. Some people are already ear-marking him for potential trades.
Robinson is one game into the final year of a three-year deal he signed in 2018. And while GM Ryan Pace made it a habit of signing core players to extensions before the start of the final season, an agreement with Robinson hasn’t come so easily (apparently). Thus, reports of his frustration have emerged.
An update from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero:
#Bears WR Allen Robinson has removed references to the team from his social media — a reflection of his frustration over the state of talks on a new contract, sources say. No trade request as of now, and Chicago has a history of getting extensions done. Stay tuned. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/JKbhKEqYoX
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 15, 2020
Pelissero has heard about Robinson’s frustration regarding a lack of extension. To which I say, haven’t we all? I mean, you definitely have if you have a Twitter and/or Instagram account. If you can read the tea leaves, seeing apparent frustration is easy as cake. But on top of that, Pelissero has heard that Robinson has felt disrespected with how things have gone to this point. Yikes.
Even still, arguably the most important take away from Pelissero’s video reporting might be that a trade request has *NOT* been made. At least, not yet. (CRAP. See the update below.)
I feel as if the Bears’ front office is walking on thin ice at the moment. History suggests the powers that be at Halas Hall tend to operate in the shadows when it comes to negotiations. And to this point, Pace hasn’t brought negotiations to the public. That’s generally the sign of competence. Good things rarely come from public negotiations. But with players becoming vocal with their support for a Robinson extension, I’m curious as to how much longer that can be the case. Not that I would encourage public negotiation, but Pace might have to act with some conviction here. I can’t imagine Head Coach Matt Nagy will be thrilled to answer questions regarding something his general manager hasn’t done as he prepares for the Giants.
UPDATE: Now there’s a report that he HAS requested a trade.
