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After the Jacksonville Jaguars surprisingly decided not to place Allen Robinson on the franchise tag, the 24-year old wide receiver jumped to the top of the free agency market despite coming off an ACL injury.
Given the uncertainty of Michael Crabtree’s return, the only wide receiver locked in as a starter for the Raiders is Amari Cooper. This puts the Oakland in the market for another receiver and pairing Robinson and Cooper would make for a lethal combination. Unfortunately for the Silver and Black, it appears the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears are the favorites to sign the coveted receiver.
In an interview on Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, Robinson spoke highly of both teams to Adam Schein.
ICYMI: Allen Robinson (@Thee_AR15) talks to @AdamSchein about potential opportunities in free agency with the Chicago Bears & San Francisco 49ers pic.twitter.com/BbBYtdqLub
— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) March 12, 2018
The show’s executive producer got the distinct impression that the 49ers and Bears topped his list and a return to Jacksonville was not happening.
After listening to @AdamSchein's interview with @Thee_AR15 on @MadDogRadio, get the feeling it might be between the #Niners and #Bears with the Niners in the lead. #Jaguars seem to be out. Interesting how he said Jags have to do what's best for "their team" not "our team."
— Bill Zimmerman (@ZimmermanSXM) March 12, 2018
When asked if the Niners would be an intriguing destination, Robinson responded, “Most definitely. That’s a team that is for sure moving in the right direction. They have some of the same things that Chicago has when it comes down to a quarterback, an offensive minded head coach, and a football city with tradition.”
Robinson expressed similar beliefs when asked about the Bears, noting how Chicago is an “amazing city and football town”.
What’s interesting about the criteria Robinson listed was that the Raiders fit all of them: Derek Carr is a three-time Pro Bowler and was an MVP finalist in 2016, Jon Gruden is the definition of an offensive-minded head coach, and Oakland has some of the most passionate fans of any city.
While it seems the 49ers and Bears are the teams to beat, until it’s set in stone, the Raiders still have a chance to convince Allen Robinson to wear Silver and Black.
UPDATE: Allen Robinson has made his choice. He will catch passes from Mitchell Trubisky in Chicago according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Former Jaguars’ WR Allen Robinson intends to sign with the Chicago Bears barring any last-minute snags when free agency opens Wednesday, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
They paid handsomely for him though. To the tune of $14 million per season.
WR Allen Robinson just told me he intends to sign a “3-year, $42M dollar deal with the #Bears.” #TeamNoSleep https://t.co/G6oNqZDdKq
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 13, 2018
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