LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) - The Chicago Bears have agreed to a contract with former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Allen Robinson, hoping he can form a dynamic tandem with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and help energize a stagnant passing game.
The Bears announced the move Wednesday, a day after Robinson told ESPN he was planning to sign a $42 million, three-year deal.
Chicago also announced agreements with Philadelphia Eagles tight end Trey Burton ($32 million, four years), Atlanta Falcons receiver Taylor Gabriel, Miami Dolphins kicker Cody Parkey and New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Chase Daniel.
The Bears are coming off their fourth straight last-place finish in the NFC North and fourth straight season with 10 or more losses. They came into free agency looking to surround Trubisky - the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft - with more play-making targets and boost a passing game that ranked last in the NFL.
The moves they announced showed just how serious they were.
They are banking on Robinson to recover from a torn ACL in his left knee and regain the form that made him a Pro Bowl pick in 2015.
Robinson seemed poised to be a key part of the Jaguars’ offense last year following a strong training camp. But he injured his knee on Jacksonville’s third play of the season. The Jaguars went on to win the AFC South and advance to the conference title game. Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone said at the NFL scouting combine Robinson is “right on schedule” in his recovery from the torn ACL.
At 24, he is young and would fill a huge need if he reverts to his 2015 form. He had 80 receptions for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns that year, establishing himself as one of the best receivers in franchise history. His production dropped in 2016, with 73 receptions for 883 yards and six scores.
Burton gets a chance to be the No. 1 tight end on the Bears after catching 23 passes for 248 yards and five TDs in Philadelphia’s championship season. He also threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory over New England.
Gabriel had 33 catches for 378 yards and a touchdown last season. He has 132 receptions for 1,819 yards and eight touchdowns in four seasons with Atlanta and Cleveland.
Parkey made 21 of 23 field goals in his lone season with Miami. He worked with new Bears special teams coordinator Chris Tabor with the Cleveland Browns in 2016, after spending his first two years in Philadelphia.
Daniel has played for New Orleans, Kansas City and Philadelphia since entering the league in 2009. New Bears coach Matt Nagy was his quarterbacks coach with the Chiefs from 2013-15.
The Bears also announced Wednesday they have agreed to contracts with linebacker Sam Acho and cornerback Prince Amukamara, keeping them in Chicago. Quarterback Mike Glennon, receiver Marcus Wheaton and defensive back Marcus Cooper were released on Wednesday.
___
For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Please read our comment policy before commenting.