NFL Free Agency: 5 destinations for Bears WR Allen Robinson originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
In a loaded free agent wide receiver class, the Chicago Bears' Allen Robinson might be the most talented of the bunch.
Robinson has turned in back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons for Chicago despite the Bears' ineptitude finding a franchise quarterback. Now a free agent once again, Robinson could be looking for his third NFL team.
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The 2021 offseason marks the second time Robinson has hit free agency in his career, as the former Penn State star signed a two-year deal with the Bears in 2019 when he first hit the open market.
Here are five potential landing spots for the one-time Pro Bowler.
Chicago Bears
Robinson's current relationship with the Bears is an interesting and murky one.
Early in the 2020 season, Robinson was reportedly unhappy with Chicago due to the fact that the franchise had not offered him a contract extension. The wideout played out the entire campaign under the last year of his deal. The two sides have not discussed a contract extension for months.
However, if the Bears do ultimately want to keep Robinson (which they absolutely should), they will be able to via the franchise tag. Under the tender, should Robinson sign, the wideout would make approximately $16.4 million, per OverTheCap.
By having the franchise tag in its back pocket, Chicago remains the frontrunner to keep Robinson. Yet, ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington speculates that Robinson might not be willing to play under the tag next season, in what would make a murky situation even murkier.
But with Chicago's leverage from the tag alone, you can't count the Bears out in the Robinson sweepstakes.
Washington Football Team
One year ago, Washington offered Amari Cooper a nine-figure deal to leave Dallas for the nation's capital. Of course, Cooper stayed in Dallas -- and one year later, Washington still has a major need at the position.
Outside of Terry McLaurin, Washington doesn't have any legitimate wide receiver options that scare opposing defenses. What McLaurin has been able to do in two seasons is incredible. But, as Richard Sherman said, the only way Washington's offense can take the jump to the next level is by getting him some help.
By signing Robinson, Washington would have another true WR1. Robinson is one of the league's best wide receivers, and similarly to McLaurin, has produced with below-par QB play. Uncertainty at the quarterback position is something that could sway Robinson elsewhere, but otherwise the Burgundy and Gold are a great fit.
Earlier this month, NBC Sports Washington's Ryan Homler detailed why Robinson would be such a great fit in Scott Turner's offense. With plenty of cap space, too, Washington should be in the mix for the Bears star if he becomes available.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are one of the NFL's best teams -- if not the best -- at running the football, which is something that might not entice a free agent wideout like Robinson, who expects double-digit targets on a weekly basis.
Robinson is a lot better than any receiver Lamar Jackson has ever thrown too, though. While the Ravens might be a run-first team, an addition like Robinson could truly elevate Baltimore's passing game and add another element to an already productive offense.
Plus, if Baltimore were to add Robinson, rising third-year pass-catcher Marquise Brown would only benefit. The former Oklahoma star had been forced into the No. 1 receiver role since his arrival, something that appeared to be too big of a burden through his first two seasons.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said earlier this offseason he's not going to beg any wideout to come to Baltimore. If Robinson hits the open market, the longtime head coach might want to rethink that.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have made one of the biggest moves of the offseason thus far, trading a pair of draft picks to acquire former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and his gigantic contract. Wentz had his best NFL success when current Colts coach Frank Reich was his offensive coordinator, something Indianapolis is banking on by acquiring the signal-caller.
After making a franchise-altering trade, the Colts must surround Wentz with weapons. Longtime wide receiver T.Y. Hilton is a free agent, making his future with the Colts in doubt. Michael Pittman Jr. showed flashes as a rookie last season, but he alone likely won't shoulder the load of being a No. 1 wideout.
The Colts have one of the deepest rosters across the league and are just a few key pieces away from being a Super Bowl contender. By adding Robinson, this team could easily be the biggest threat to the Chiefs and the Bills in the conference.
Kansas City Chiefs
This might be a longshot here, as the Chiefs already have several key players -- Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones -- locked up long-term.
However, adding Allen Robinson to arguably the league's best offense should not be ruled out of the question. Current Chiefs wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson are free agents, meaning there's no guarantee either will be back.
Cap space might make it tricky for Kansas City to add Robinson, but teams have shown they've been able to make it work under similar circumstances. Don't rule this match out so quickly.
