Chicago Bears should not overpay for Allen Robinson

Losing Allen Robinson should not fear Chicago Bears fans

The Chicago Bears and the NFL have had a historical offseason so far. The most significant talk beside the potential quarterback competition in Chicago has been the lack of contract talks with the Chicago Bears star receiver Allen Robinson.

Allen Robinson is indeed a stud NFL receiver but has not had any discussions from the Chicago Bears organization about extending him past this year. Most have already called for Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace’s head. It was only a few years ago when Ryan Pace did not bring back rising receiver Cameron Meredith. What looked like a steal for the New Orlean Saints, Meredith played in six games in 2018 before returning to the injured reserves list.

Allen Robinson is coming off a year where he caught the most passes of his career. Robinson’s consistency alone should net him an extension. However, in a year of the unknown and the first year that might end with the salary cap dropping Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears need to tread carefully.

The Chicago Bears have invested heavily at the wide receiver position

While the Chicago Bears could use a stud receiver long term, they have invested in the wide receiver room each of the last three drafts. Sure, we don’t know what will become of Antony Miller, Riley Ridley, and Darnell Mooney. It defeats the purpose of having a highly paid receiver locked up without even knowing if the quarterback of the future isn’t also on the roster.

In 2015, Allen Robinson set the world on fire with 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. He made us all fall in love with his 98 catches 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns. Both of Robinson’s best years came with a less than desirable team season.

I am not saying that the Chicago Bears shouldn’t extend Robinson this season, but they have higher priorities. Both Trubisky and Foles have thrived with taking shots down the field. Yes, I said Mitch Trubisky has succeeded with passing the ball downfield. It seems to be the intermediate passes that he has lacked recently in the 2019 NFL season.

Allen Robinson is a downfield nightmare for defensive backs, but lack of speed has turned Robinson’s big catches into 30-yard plays instead of 60-yard touchdowns. With speed threats like Darnell Mooney and Ted Ginn Jr, the Chicago Bears could get some chunk plays that Robinson lacks. If Riley Ridley or Javon Wims emerge, they could be 60% of what Allen Robinson is in the intermediate game in the future. Again, I am not saying that the Chicago Bears shouldn’t lockup Allen Robinson, but there are worse things than losing him at the season’s end.