Chicago Bears reportedly use the franchise tag on Allen Robinson, keeping the receiver under contract for 2021

© Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune/TNS Bears receiver Allen Robinson is unable to hold on to a pass in the end zone in the first quarter against the Packers on Nov. 29, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis.

The Chicago Bears have used the franchise tag on wide receiver Allen Robinson, according to multiple reports.

The tag puts Robinson under contract for the 2021 season for about $18 million, 120% of his 2020 salary. The Bears also could work out a long-term deal with Robinson before the mid-July deadline.

© Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune/TNS Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson is congratulated after catching a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Packers on Nov. 29, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapport first reported the news.

Talks between the Bears and Robinson’s representation about a possible extension stalled early last season, and Bears general manager Ryan Pace noted the tag was an option in his postseason news conference.

Robinson made it known he wasn’t in favor of being tagged, preferring to head into free agency. His options now are limited, though he could ask for a trade or threaten to hold out during training camp or the season if the Bears don’t offer a long-term deal to his liking.

© Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune/TNS Bears receiver Allen Robinson steps out of bounds after a reception on the final drive in the fourth quarter against the Lions on Dec. 6, 2020, at Soldier Field.

Robinson, 27, is entering his eighth season in the NFL. He was coming off a torn ACL when he signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears in 2018, Matt Nagy’s first season as coach.

© Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune/TNS Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson walks off the field following a 34-30 loss to the Lions on Dec. 6, 2020, at Soldier Field.

He has been the Bears’ best offensive player in his three seasons, totaling 255 catches for 3,151 yards and 17 touchdowns. He had a career-high 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns in 2020.

Bears coaches and players also have lauded his professionalism and the example he sets for players such as Darnell Mooney, who was second with 61 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season in 2020. The Bears also have wide receivers Anthony Miller, Javon Wims and Riley Ridley under contract for the 2021 season.

Pace last used the franchise tag on wide receiver Alshon Jeffery in 2016, and Jeffery left for the Eagles the following season. He used the transition tag on cornerback Kyle Fuller in 2018 and then matched the Green Bay Packers’ offer sheet to keep Fuller with the Bears.

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Bears receiver Allen Robinson stretches for a reception in the third quarter of a playoff game against the Saints on Jan. 10, 2021, in New Orleans.

© John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune/TNS