It’s been an eventful week for Allen Robinson and the Chicago Bears, as the two sides seek to agree on an extension. And even though there is an obvious focus on Sunday’s game against the Giants, positive news appears to be on the horizon.
An update from Bears Chairman George McCaskey, via WGN Radio’s Adam Hoge:
#Bears chairman George McCaskey on @wgnradio on Allen Robinson's contract situation:
"Ted (Phillips) gave me an update yesterday and we're very optimistic."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 18, 2020
In a radio interview on Friday Morning, McCaskey relayed a message of hope regarding Robinson’s contract situation. McCaskey said team President Ted Phillips shared a “very optimistic” update. Phillips signs off on deals as team president and has his hands all over the Bears’ financials. So I consider this to be good news for those hoping a deal gets done.
HOWEVER, there is an apparent difference in Robinson’s asking price and what the Bears are reportedly offering.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported details of Robinson’s contract requests, writing: “[A]ccording to sources familiar with the situation, the Bears are looking at the recent Cooper Kupp extension with the Rams as their comparison, meaning they’re in the $15 million-to-$16 million-per-year range. Robinson is thinking more along the lines of Odell Beckham Jr. or Tyreek Hill, who are in the $18 million-per-year range.”
That we’re talking about a difference of a few million dollars is maddening. As we discussed on Thursday, a deal that pays Robinson $18 million per year feels like it’s in line with market value. Deals for Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen pay them $20M AAV. So landing Robinson at $18M AAV should feel like a steal. Graziano points out Robinson and Allen have similar statistical profiles. That should help bring the monetary considerations into focus. With that in mind, I’ll point out, Robinson has done so with lesser quarterback play.
This deal should’ve been signed last spring. And yet, I remain optimistic. It’s good news that contract details have emerged and that there’s still optimism from the higher-ups at Halas Hall. Graziano’s reporting suggests Robinson wants to remain in Chicago. If that’s what he wants and the Bears’ offer isn’t far off, then it’s easy to envision a deal happening.
