NFL veteran running back James Robinson has signed a contract with the New England Patriots. Robinson, a former undrafted free agent turned rookie 1,000-yard rusher spent the 2022 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets.
RB James Robinson to the #Patriots for two years and a max value of $8M, per source
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2023
James Robinson, New England Patriots, Agree to Contract
Entering 2023, Robinson will be in his age 25 season, looking for a bounce-back after a career-worst year. Robinson suffered a late-season torn Achilles in 2021, one that he has yet to come back from at full strength. His burst, explosion through the gaps, and quick-twitch feet all seemingly declined. Leading the Jaguars to lean more heavily on Travis Etienne Jr. Despite modest numbers during the first half of the season, the Jaguars opted to move on, trading Robinson to the Jets prior to the trade deadline. However, even with the loss of Breece Hall to injury in their offense, Robinson could never capitalize on touches. Ultimately, Robinson fell on the depth chart and didn’t see the field in the final few weeks of 2022.
With the Jaguars, Robinson started off the year with 57 touches for 263 yards and four touchdowns in the first three weeks. Though, with a healthier-by-the-week Etienne, Robinson’s reps quickly dropped. He finished his time with the Jaguars in 2022 with 386 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns total. With Gang Green, Robinson rushed for just 85 yards on 29 carries. For Robinson, this is quite the fall from grace considering where he was two years ago.
Coming out of Illinois State, Robinson went undrafted, signing with Jacksonville. At 5’9″ and 219 pounds, Robinson offered a strong, between-the-tackles power back, and one that the Jaguars saw the upside in right away. From 2020-2021, his first two seasons, Robinson started 27 of 28 games, with 2,403 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns. If Robinson can return to full health in 2023, he will once again be a steal.
