The start of free agency is almost here, and the Chicago Bears will have to decide soon on Allen Robinson.
Robinson is a free agent in a market with some well-known names available.
While the Bears put the franchise tag on Robinson for the 2021 season, they will have to make a solid move this year if they want to keep him.
Justin Fields Needs a Veteran Receiver to Help Him
Fields will be entering his second year with Chicago, looking to take over under center.
Fields can use two things: a solid group of receivers and an offensive line to protect him.
Robinson has been that solid receiver in Chicago, something that Fields needs.
However, Robinson didn’t play up to his status as one of the best in Chicago last season.
Robinson Disappointed Many During 2021 Season
When looking at Robinson’s past stats with Chicago, you see 1,000-yard seasons.
This wasn’t the case for Robinson during the 2021 season.
Robinson finished the 2021 season with only 410 yards and one touchdown.
He also failed to catch some on-target passes by Fields, hurting Chicago.
for the second straight week, arguably Justin Fields' most impressive throw fell incomplete as the receiver was unable to make a play. first it was Cole Kmet, this week it was Allen Robinson pic.twitter.com/6s2vKAAlpI
— Jeremy Layton (@JeremyLayt0n) October 13, 2021
These things hurt Robinson’s value, as the Bears might move on from him.
Injuries and Rotating Quarterbacks Hurt Robinson
While Robinson shoulders some blame for his 2021 season stats, there were two other factors.
First, Robinson was playing with multiple injuries in 2021.
He missed some games due to that and might not have been at 100% when he returned.
Secondly, Robinson was catching passes from three different quarterbacks during 2021.
Without consistency behind center, Robinson couldn’t have a natural flow the other quarterback/receiver duos have.
If Robinson asks for a big contract with the Bears, they will point to last year’s stats.
Was Robinson’s 2021 a Setback?
Any NFL team looking at stats will say that Robinson suffered a setback.
People looking at Robinson’s past performance as a whole will say the same as well.
However, if you factor in all the variables that Robinson had in 2021, it changes things.
Whether or not the Bears front office will look at this or other NFL teams are yet to be determined.
A healthy Robinson with a consistent QB under center has shown he is a solid receiver.
Will Robinson’s Past With the Bears Be Enough to Retain Him?
Bears fans who still believe in Robinson will tell people that 2021 was a fluke season for him.
Allen Robinson had trouble separating last year, but was dealing with an ankle injury. He could separate. He's one of the best route runners in the league.
2020: 11th in separation
2019: 13th in separation
2018: 3rd in separation— Pierre (@DLFPtweets) March 12, 2022
It was a little bit of both for Robinson.
While Robinson did have an injury and multiple QBs that he played with, he also missed easy passes.
The film doesn’t lie; Robinson had moments that he didn’t play to the level Bears fans have come to know from him.
With two of the biggest receivers on the free agency market already franchise tagged, Robinson might return to Chicago.
While there is still talent for the Bears to get at wide receiver, some are older than Robinson.
Younger receivers like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Sammy Watkins, who are on the market could replace Robinson.
However, they have yet to show they can be a number one receiver like Robinson has been in Chicago.
Even if the #Steelers were able to keep JuJu Smith-Schuster, I really doubt he’d be considered their number one WR by next season. Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson both have traits that could make them special on the outside.
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) October 12, 2020
Without a clear number one on the market, the Bears would be best to resign Robinson for one more year.
NEXT: Was Khalil Mack's Time In Chicago A Success?
A year older and definitely on the back nine of his career, no, do not resign ARob. Money better spent on younger, faster, and frankly better players.