Allen Robinson: 4 Trade Possibilities That Make Sense (If Necessary)
Nobody wants to believe that Allen Robinson might be playing his last season for the Chicago Bears. GM Ryan Pace wouldn’t be that foolish, right? Now let’s be clear. The odds currently still favor a long-term extension being worked out. Both sides are still talking and there is a degree of respect involved. It feels like a matter of time before common ground is reached on a contract.
That being said, one cannot ignore the lingering possibility of talks falling apart. In the event this happens, the Bears will have a choice to make. Do they hang back and try to restart them or do they lay the groundwork for a possible trade? The latter is something that is difficult to think about but can’t be ignored. Robinson has obvious value as a true #1 receiver. Teams would be willing to deal for that.
The Bears would have two methods in play. Either deal him at the deadline in October or franchise tag him next offseason and find a taker then. Either way, here are a few possibilities that might make sense.
Allen Robinson To the Patriots for a 2nd round pick
The Bears have a history of several deals with New England since Pace took over as GM. That familiarity would make this an easy process. The Patriots are desperate for wide receivers to help Cam Newton and Robinson is exactly the sort of player they’d be on board with. Odds are the best the Bears would get in a deal is a 2nd round pick as Bill Belichick isn’t known for giving up 1st rounders for veterans. This should be considered the deal of last resort.
Robinson and a 3rd round pick to the Jets for 1st and 4th round picks
New England isn’t the only AFC East team hurting for receivers. The Jets continue to deal with injury problems at the position, leaving their promising young quarterback Sam Darnold in a difficult spot. Robinson would represent easily the best target he’s had yet in his career. New York also has plenty of draft assets including two 1st rounders in 2021. By including their 3rd as a sweetener, the Bears secure one of them along with a 4th.
Robinson to the Dolphins for DeVante Parker and a 3rd round pick
The Dolphins have to start thinking up ways to arm Tua Tagovailoa, their QB of the future with proper weapons. Parker is coming off a good year in 2019 but he has a history of health issues that cropped up once again already. He’s the same age as Robinson and under a much more manageable contract through 2023. The 3rd round pick should make for nice insurance in case he doesn’t work out. Meanwhile, Miami gets a true go-to guy for Tua.
Robinson to Washington for Da’Ron Payne and a 5th round pick
The Washington Football Team learned two things in Week 1. They have a ton of horses on defense and not nearly enough firepower on offense. Outside of Terry McLaurin, young QB Dwayne Haskins lacks options. Pairing McLaurin and Allen Robinson together would make for a legitimate tandem the team could work with. Da’Ron Payne would be able to fill the void left by Eddie Goldman on defense, plugging that nose tackle spot and shoring up the run defense. He’s only 23-years old.