Reports: Allen Robinson makes surprising free agency decision
The free agency decision is in for Allen Robinson — and it’s a surprising one. He’s heading West to join the Super Bowl champions.
Robinson is set to sign a three-year, $45 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported $30 million of that is guaranteed.
Robinson’s addition adds to a talented wide receiver core in Los Angeles. The Rams already have Cooper Kupp, the Super Bowl LVI MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and Robert Woods in tow. They’re also still hoping to re-sign Odell Beckham Jr., and Schefter reported they have the money left over to pull off a contract for him.
After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for Chicago, Robinson had a down year in 2021. He had just 38 receptions for 418 yards and one touchdown in 2021 with Justin Fields under center. In 2019 and 2020, Robinson totaled 200 receptions for 2,397 yards and 13 touchdowns as Mitchell Trubisky’s top target.
The Bears could’ve used the franchise tag on Robinson again, but opted to let him enter free agency. Now, he’s heading to Los Angeles to pair up with Matthew Stafford and the Rams under Sean McVay.
Green Bay Packers sign former Chicago Bears punter Pat O’Donnell
The Green Bay Packers made a move on Thursday to acquire former Chicago Bears punter Pat O’Donnell, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. O’Donnell, who played his college ball at Cincinnati, then Miami, is replacing Corey Bojorquez who became an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Bojorquez put up great numbers for the Packers but in the end, the organization couldn’t accommodate his cap space. He ranked 11th in the NFL with a 46.5-yard average – best in Packers history – and 17th with a 40-yard net average.
The new Packers punter signed a deal for two years worth $4 million overall, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. It includes $1.6 million guaranteed, $950,000 at signing and a $650,000 roster bonus that kicks in after March in 2023. His salary is $1.12 million for 2022 and $1.2 million for 2023.
O’Donnell played 17 games for the Bears in 2021 before signing with the Packers. He had 62 punts for a total of 2865 yards – 46.2 yards per punt. He has a 4.3-second hangtime and 37 touchbacks, according to ProFootballFocus. His overall punting grade ranked 23rd in the league last season. He wrapped up eight years with the Bears after going No. 191 overall in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
After last season, O’Donnell signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the Bears. He’s now 31 years old and he’ll be in the Green and Gold next season.