Does Allen Robinson make sense as veteran receiver help for the Patriots?
Allen Robinson #AllenRobinson
2023 might not be a great year to be looking for wide receivers in trades, free agency or the draft. But there are at least a few competent options the Patriots can explore if they want to, especially if Jakobi Meyers leaves town.
For example, Jaxon Smith-Njigba proved he’s exactly the type of receiver New England covets at the NFL Combine this week, putting on a monster performance in his agility drills and on-field workout.
But if the Patriots would prefer to add veteran talent at receiver and focus on the offensive line or cornerback in the NFL Draft, trading for players like DeAndre Hopkins or Brandin Cooks for Day 2 picks is also an option if they don’t want to go all-in on a young star like Tee Higgins.
Another notable name looks like he’ll be added to the pool soon: Allen Robinson.
NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday that the Los Angeles Rams are putting Robinson on the trade block as they try to clear salary off the books. The team is also reportedly willing to eat some of his $15.25 million in guaranteed money to make a trade happen.
The Rams pass-catcher, who’s about to enter his 10th season, hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire the last two seasons, registering just 749 receiving yards and four touchdowns in stints with the Chicago Bears and Rams. He also is coming off a second consecutive year on injured reserve, having had season-ending foot surgery after playing just 10 games last year.
Still, the 29-year-old is just a few years removed from back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in which he was the Bears’ best receiver. Also, one could point to the offenses and quarterback play he’s had to work with the last two seasons and think he could produce better in a more stable environment.
Given his most recent production, one could see Robinson being available for a Day 3 pick — perhaps a fifth-rounder. There’s also a chance the Rams could release him with a post-June 1 designation, but that still wouldn’t save them any money as his situation currently stands.
New England does have a glut of Day 3 draft picks, including four in the sixth round. Packaging a few for a solid veteran player that could make the offense better if healthy is hardly a risk.
The Patriots also reportedly did extensive work on Robinson as a free-agent option last season before he signed his three-year, $46.5 million deal with the Rams.
However, Robinson’s age and recent lack of production might stand out as a red flags in terms of pulling the trigger on a trade. At this point in his career, he’s probably not a more appealing option on the trade market than Hopkins or Cooks. It might also be easier to see the team buying low on Robert Woods in free agency than spending draft capital on Robinson, even if we’re talking about late-round lottery tickets.
Though having Robinson’s name out there at least gives the Patriots another veteran option to explore, perhaps it’s not the best time or best fit for New England anymore.