Chicago Bears: Free agent WR replacements for Allen Robinson in 2022
JuJu Smith-Schuster also makes sense as an Allen Robinson replacement
Another option for the Chicago Bears next offseason should Allen Robinson not be returning is JuJu Smith-Schuster. Schuster is not on the same level as Allen Robinson either, but he does bring plenty to the table. With the strange season the league saw in 2020 due to COVID-19, Smith-Schuster decided to return to Pittsburgh for another season on a one-year deal worth $8 million. He apparently was not thrilled with the deal, but the wide receiver market was down in 2021.
JuJu Smith-Schuster was the 16th-best wide receiver last year. He finished with 97 catches, 831 yards and nine touchdowns. Just like Chris Godwin, Schuster is still very young. He will only be 25 years old when the season starts in 2022. He has the ability to develop a great rapport with Justin Fields throughout their careers.
Smith-Schuster seems to have been forgotten last season due to a down year in 2019, but that had plenty to do with Ben Roethlisberger only playing two games that season. Smith-Schuster himself only played 12 games, however, he still finished with 42 catches for 552 yards and three touchdowns. The year prior to that (2018) he caught 111 balls for over 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns.
When Smith-Schuster sees more volume (imagine him seeing Allen Robinson’s targets each year), then he would have the ability to find himself in the top of the league every season in catches, yards and even touchdowns.
Related Story. Allen Robinson could be a Packer in 2022. light
Final Thoughts:
There are not a large amount of 2022 free agents who could replace Allen Robinson’s talent and production. Even though Robinson will be 30 in 2022, it looks that a new deal with Robinson might be the only way to guarantee the offense has a true WR1 next season. Outside of these other three pending free agents, the only other names worth mentioning are Will Fuller, Robby Anderson, Jamison Crowder and Keelan Cole — none of which could replace Robinson’s production.
Ryan Pace better find a way to not screw up the wide receiver position in 2022 or fans will quickly be calling for his head once again.