The Bears have a month to sign Allen Robinson to a long-term extension, and while his future in Chicago is murky, the franchise-tagged wide receiver will resurface at team headquarters this week.
Robinson intends to report to the Bears’ minicamp, Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times notes, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport adds the eighth-year pass catcher has arrived at Halas Hall (Twitter link). This certainly represents a positive sign for the Bears, with franchise-tagged players often skipping all offseason workouts and then staying away into training camp.
Nothing much has transpired on the Robinson extension front. The sides have not been close to the same page on terms since negotiations began nearly a year ago, and Lieser adds they have made no progress toward a deal.
Like many players this offseason, Robinson stayed away from voluntary workouts. He was quick to sign his $17.9 million franchise tender, however, doing so amid rumors the Bears were pursuing Kenny Golladay. The ex-Lions weapon visited the Bears but ended up signing with the Giants. Robinson resides as the Bears’ clear-cut No. 1 target for a fourth straight year.
The Bears will count on Robinson to help first-round pick Justin Fields assimilate, even though it appears Andy Dalton will begin the season as Chicago’s QB1. Robinson, 27, has cleared 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons. The Bears gave the ex-Jaguar a $14 million-per-year deal in 2018 but upset him during extension talks. His reporting for minicamp should be considered a good sign, but how the parties proceed at the July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign extensions will be more telling about their prospects for a long-term partnership.
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