Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson went on the “Waddle and Silvy” show on WMVP-AM 1000 Friday afternoon to talk about coronavirus precautions, the NFL players’ upcoming CBA vote and a possible contract extension.
Here are three things we learned.
1. The coronavirus outbreak might derail his plans to work with quarterback Mitch Trubisky before the Bears report to Halas Hall.
Allen Robinson said he had planned to go to California in a few weeks, where Mitch Trubisky was set to host his top wide receiver for some time together. Now those workout plans are up in the air.
“With everything going on, I’m not too sure how that will play out over the next month or so,” Robinson said. “We’re scheduled to be back in a little over a month anyway. So as far as the traveling plan and things like that, those definitely will be stopped for the time being. We’ll figure something out maybe, but it will be a little bit difficult.”
Robinson said his main offseason concern right now is working out, and he is trying “to keep it as normal as possible” while also being careful.
“I’m just trying to stay sanitized and take precaution with everything,” Robinson said. “But it’s been a pretty crazy few days.”
Robinson also is dealing with the same feelings other sports fans are experiencing right now. He is a vocal NBA fan on Twitter, and he solicited suggestions for what to watch while he waits for games to return.
“I’m going to have to find a show to binge watch with no NBA being on,” he said. “I’ve just been without basketball for two to three days now. I don’t know where to start, but recommendations would be helpful. So people could tweet at me.
2. Allen Robinson voted ‘no’ on the NFL’s proposed new CBA.
The players’ vote on the agreement closes on Saturday night, with a simple majority of those who voted needed for it to pass.
Allen Robinson thought players should have demanded a 50/50 revenue split in exchange for playing a 17th game, as would be implemented between 2021-23 if the CBA passes. If the proposed agreement passes, the players’ revenue share would bump up to 48%, or slightly more depending on media contracts.
A main concern for players in playing a 17th game is the effect on their health.
“At the end of 16 games, you have guys who played through broken ribs, sprained ankles, dislocated shoulders, torn labrums, hamstrings, quad injuries,” Robinson said. “So adding another game only increases the chance of injury, and nobody knows how significant that injury may be.
“If this is voted through, there will never be less than 17 games again. Only possibly more.”
Robinson said he didn’t know which way the vote would go.
3. Allen Robinson said discussions with the Bears about a potential contract extension are ‘in the very minimal stage.’
Allen Robinson is in the final season of a three-year, $42 million contract, and general manager Ryan Pace expressed last month at the NFL combine a desire to keep him around.
“He’s a good player and does a lot for our team on and off the field,” Pace said. “And he’s a guy we’d like to have a Bear for a long time.”
Robinson said there has been some conversation, but wouldn’t classify it as contract “talks.” Robinson and his agent could benefit from seeing how the CBA vote shakes out as it could affect salaries.
“I can’t speak on any news,” he said. “It’s still early in the offseason. For me, I don’t get myself too hyped up or too wound up about that. I’m just preparing myself to get healthy and better going into next season.”