Veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson has been without a team for the past four months, marking the first time since entering the NFL in 2014 that he has gone this long without being on a roster. After stints with several franchises — including Jacksonville, Chicago, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, New York, and most recently Detroit — Robinson is now navigating unfamiliar territory as a free agent.
During the 2024 campaign, Robinson played sparingly for the Lions, functioning primarily as a depth option.
He finished the season with just seven targets and 30 receiving yards, a modest output that reflected his limited role in Detroit’s offense. Even so, Robinson hasn’t ruled out another opportunity and has publicly expressed interest in reuniting with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now the head coach in Chicago.
Speaking with Mark Grote of 670 The Score, Robinson made it clear he would be open to joining the Bears, noting his prior experience in Johnson’s offensive system. He suggested that a call from Johnson or Bears wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El — both of whom he knows well — would be enough to bring him aboard.
From Detroit’s perspective, Robinson’s interest in Chicago doesn’t raise many concerns. At this stage of his career, he is no longer the high-impact receiver he once was, and his production last season reinforced that reality.
Any potential interest from the Bears would likely stem from necessity rather than long-term upside, as Chicago’s receiver group has been hit hard by injuries. With Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze currently unavailable, the door has opened for veteran depth options to step in.
Meanwhile, the Lions are well stocked at the position. With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, and Isaac TeSlaa leading the group — plus Tom Kennedy and Dominic Lovett providing depth — there simply isn’t a clear role for Robinson in Detroit.
Those players have spent the entire season working within the system and building chemistry with Jared Goff, giving them a stronger case to contribute than a late-season addition would.
Given his familiarity with the coaching staff and his previous tenure in Chicago, a move to the Bears would be the most logical path if Robinson hopes to extend his career.
Should he manage to take advantage of Chicago’s depleted depth chart, a short-term opportunity could emerge. If not, and he’s unable to make an impact, it will further validate Detroit’s decision to move on after the 2024 season.
