Entering 2021, there are multiple factors that will define the Chicago Bears season but the connection between wide receiver Allen Robinson and rookie quarterback Justin Fields will be a major storyline. As Fields enters his first season in Chicago, Robinson is entering year four, which could also be his last should the Bears not sign him to a contract extension.
Fields isn’t just a rookie quarterback for the Bears, he’s a major selling point. With his presence, the Bears could use him as part of a sales pitch to keep Robinson around should the Bears ever decide to reopen contract extension talks with Robinson’s party. When looking at Fields development, Robinson plays a part too, giving the 11th overall pick a stable and consistent weapon during his rookie season.
From a production standpoint, Robinson has totaled 255 receptions for 3151 yards, and 17 touchdowns over the last three seasons. The eighth-year pro has also averaged 12.4 yards per reception since 2018, despite average quarterback play which many believe is hindering his ability to be among the game’s best receivers.
“From obviously watching the tape, you know, rather, you know how obviously how many yards and catches I had, you know, obviously there are some plays and some things that you want to get back,” Robinson said via the Bears official YouTube channel.
When Robinson mentions that there are plays he’d like to have back, he’s referring to missed reads that led to missed throws, which led to decreased production. The hope for Robinson is that more consistent quarterback play leads to an increase in production. This would mean Robinson earns a nice payday next offseason, with the hope that Fields is Robinson’s quarterback of the future.
The Bears know what they have in Robinson and the rapport that the star wide receiver develops with Fields could be a big indicator of what’s to come in Chicago throughout the 2021 season but also well beyond.