Things change fast in the NFL, as one-time star receiver Allen Robinson is reportedly on the verge of being cut. A second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Robinson earned a reputation as one of the best contested catch receivers in the league, recording 1,400 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns in the 2015 season. After some more strong seasons with Jacksonville and the Chicago Bears, the wideout signed a three-year, $46.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams in the 2022 offseason.
Unfortunately, age caught up with the veteran, as he recorded just 33 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns during his lone season in Los Angeles. The Rams traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he failed to improve in a new environment. The Steelers cut Allen Robinson after the season and the receiver quickly landed with the New York Giants on a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Despite the low pay, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that it’s “hard to see Robinson earning a roster spot.”
Getting cut from the Giants could be the end of the road for Allen Robinson. First-round pick Malik Nabers is the only above-average talent on the roster, and it’s worrisome that Robinson can’t earn a spot on this depth chart. However, if he does earn another chance, it will probably be with a team like the Carolina Panthers or Los Angeles Chargers.
Panthers, Chargers Could Target Allen Robinson If Cut
The Carolina Panthers spent the offseason trying to make life easier for former first-overall pick Bryce Young. After falling flat on his face with one of the worst supporting casts in football, the team added first-round pick Xavier Legette in the first round and traded for Diontae Johnson. When paired with Adam Thielen, these three should give Young enough tools to succeed.
This depth chart is now competent, but there is still room for improvement. Terrace Marshall is a lost cause, and Jonathan Mingo had a rookie season to forget. Allen Robinson wouldn’t be anything more than the fourth receiver on the depth chart, but the cut candidate could provide some much-needed veteran depth. If nothing else, he could help the untested Xavier Legette adjust to the NFL as a pseudo-coach.
More Help For Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers have the worst pass-catchers in football, and it’s not particularly close. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey has some potential, but the rest of the depth chart lacks any type of playmaking upside. Quentin Johnston had a historically bad rookie season, while guys like Joshua Palmer and DJ Chark are nothing more than backup-caliber journeymen. Justin Herbert is phenomenal, but he can’t do it all on his own.
Allen Robinson might not be a game-changing talent at this point in his career, but the cut candidate can’t be much worse than the players currently on the depth chart. The Charger should kick the tires on the veteran and see if he has anything left in his tank. Stylistically, he and Mike Williams play a similar style of football, so Herbert shouldn’t need too much time to establish a connection with Robinson.
Main Photo: Kareem Elgazzar – USA Today Sports
