Bears place franchise tag on WR Allen Robinson

Allen Robinson franchise tag

The Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on WR Chris Godwin earlier today, and now another top-tier pass-catcher is off the free-agent market with news that the Chicago Bears have placed the franchise tag on Allen Robinson.

Robinson registered a career-best 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns in 2020 and has established himself as one of the best all-around receivers in the game. His production deserves more praise considering he was catching passes from Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles yet still found a way to be one of the game’s best playmakers.

The Bears have long been pegged as a potential landing spot for a wide receiver in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, but that’s likely to change now. Assuming Chicago’s intent with the franchise tag is to sign A-Rob (not trade him), there won’t be any need to prioritize wide receiver at No. 20 overall. Robinson and Darnell Mooney are an exciting tandem who will only get better in 2021 with a more capable and accurate passer behind center, assuming the Bears are able to land one in free agency or the draft. Could Chicago use depth at the position? Sure, but that won’t come until Day 2 at the earliest.

Robinson would’ve been the top wide receiver in free agency had he been allowed to test the market. Teams that were linked to him as potential suitors were the Jets and Ravens, both of whom are good candidates to take a wideout in the latter portion of Round 1.

Robinson’s franchise price tag will cost the Bears $18 million for 2021.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

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