LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 10: Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
As the Nov. 2 trade deadline approaches, NFL teams on the cusp of a playoff berth should make moves to poach Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson II.
There are two things to say about Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson II right now: he’s not the third-round fantasy draft pick he was projected to be, and it’s only a matter of time until he leaves Chicago.
With less than a week until the Tuesday trade deadline, the Bears could lean on their biggest leverage in the trading realm. Chicago drafted Justin Fields this spring and plans to rebuild the team with Fields and Mack, but the 28-year-old Robinson II could be more valuable as a trading chip at this point.
It’s not that Robinson II has declined in his potential — it’s that he isn’t reaching his potential on a depleted Bears offense.
This season, Robinson II has gotten 35 or less yards in five of his seven games, and he hasn’t gotten more than 63 yards in any game. Robinson II only has one touchdown to his name this year, demonstrating an inability to properly utilize his talent.
The statuesque 6’3″ wideout could be better served on a team that has a chance of making the playoffs this year, a feat that seems unlikely for the 3-4 Bears. Fields would be better served in the long run if Chicago has the draft capital to build out an effective supporting cast, while Robinson II would be better served with someone who can get him some air yards in the game.
Here are five potential landings spots that could use Robinson II to propel their path to the 2021 postseason.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are currently leading the AFC West, and if they want to keep it that way, they’d do well to trade for Allen Robinson II.
It was the Raiders who traded away Khalil Mack for draft capital in 2018, and those picks ultimately improved the Raiders offense. The Raiders drafted running back Josh Jacobs and wide receiver Bryan Edwards with two of the picks received from that trade, but their wide receiver depth isn’t what it could be. They could certainly use someone like Robinson II on the field.
Robinson II is often compared to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans for their similar stature, which contributes to the routes their run and the receptions they make. Henry Ruggs III, the star wideout in this offense, has been praised for his speed and agility, but he could be complimented by lining up opposite Robinson II. Ruggs III is already blossoming in his second season, but having the opportunity to learn from Robinson II could make him even better. As far as strategy goes, defenses tasked with covering both of these receivers would be forced to choose, which could open up the run game even more for Josh Jacobs.
Robinson II would be an interesting weapon for the Raiders to have onfield that could give them an even stronger chance at a postseason play. If the team does trade for him, it’s certain he’ll get a little more work than 35 yards a game.