Bears' Allen Robinson 'not expected' to sign extension before deadline

Stop us if you've heard this one before: Chicago Bears star wide receiver Allen Robinson won't be signing a contract extension with the club anytime soon. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Robinson and the Bears "are not expected to reach a long-term extension" before the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign such deals comes and goes Thursday at 4 p.m. ET. 

It's arguably the least surprising development of Chicago's entire offseason. Robinson is set to earn $17.98 million on the franchise tag, and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said late last week the two parties hadn't completed "substantive talks" in "months." 

To his credit, Robinson has said and done all the right things throughout the process. He attended mandatory minicamp in June and explained at that time he plans to report for the start of training camp sessions later this month. 

The 27-year-old earned his only Pro Bowl nod, to date, in 2015 and finished the 2020 season with 102 receptions for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns. He'll look to match or better that production later this year playing alongside either veteran quarterback Andy Dalton or rookie Justin Fields en route to potentially signing a massive agreement next March.