Chicago Bears: 5 Free agents who won’t return in 2022

Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver

Allen Robinson has been one of the Chicago Bears’ best wide receivers in quite some time. He signed a three-year, $42 million free agent deal with Chicago in 2018.

In the first year of the contract, he was still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered the previous season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite that, he still managed to amass 794 yards on 94 catches.

Once Robinson was healthy, he was incredible. Over the next two seasons, he had 200 catches for 2,397 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was not only the best receiver with the Bears but also one of the top receivers in the league.

Because of that, Robinson wanted to be paid like one of the top receivers in the game. Unfortunately for him, he and Pace had different ideas on what one of the best receivers in the game should get paid.

The two sides hoped to have an agreement before or early during the 2021 season, but it didn’t happen. Pace cut off negotiations and there was nothing between the two.

In the offseason, the Bears decided to slap the franchise tag on Robinson. That didn’t make Robinson happy, but he is the consummate professional so he signed it and didn’t make any waves.

This season hasn’t been kind to Robinson, though. He’s having one of his worst seasons. He’s had trouble forming chemistry with Fields. When it looked like he was finally forming something good with the rookie quarterback, he suffered a hamstring injury. Due to that, he missed the Bears’ last three games. He may or may not be ready this week against the Green Bay Packers.

With Robinson struggling, his frustration must be at an all-time high. He says he enjoys living in the city of Chicago and playing for Bears fans but with how badly the negotiations went with Pace he looks all but out. Even if the Bears turn around and offer him a huge contract, Robinson may just want to stick it to the organization and decline it.