Chicago Bears free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

1. Bears top free-agent targets — WR Allen Robinson

There is no question that the top free-agent target on Pace’s board has to be Robinson. Even though the position is stacked this winter there isn’t a player who can match Robinson’s familiarity with the Bears’ offense as well as proven production.

Robinson’s last contract with Chicago turned out to be a bargain as he proved he was fully healthy after a devastating knee injury ended his time in Jacksonville. The Bears saw Robinson put up star-quality numbers on the outside despite getting mediocre quarterback play for most of his tenure in the Windy City.

Robinson caught 200 passes for almost 2,400 yards with 13 touchdowns over the past two years, numbers that could be even better if Chicago upgrades its quarterback situation. The depth chart behind Robinson is frighteningly thin as well, so that production is even more impressive considering the level of attention other teams paid to him.

Letting Robinson go simply isn’t an option for the Bears, whose collection of offensive weapons would be well below-average without him. Whether it is through a long-term contract or the franchise tag, retaining Robinson has to be the top free-agent priority in Chicago.