With James Robinson waived by the New England Patriots, where are his top landing spots?
The former Jacksonville Jaguar broke the record for scrimmage yards by an undrafted rookie in 2020.
However, since then, he has failed to find consistency. After being ousted by Travis Etienne and JaMycal Hasty in Jacksonville, Robinson was traded to the New York Jets in 2022.
Despite his new surroundings, Robinson failed to make a real impact as a Jet. He subsequently signed with the Patriots in the off-season.
In the first three years of his career, the 24-year-old has amassed 2,262 rushing yards, 617 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. While 2022 was a lull, Robinson still has a lot of potential. With that said, any team that picks him up will need to ensure that the health concerns are not debilitating. It is reported that New England waived him over his health concerns.
Assuming that Robinson can overcome his medical ailments, which teams would benefit from Robinson’s services?
A little more context on the Patriots’ release of James Robinson: Injuries were the issue, and the veteran RB couldn’t stay on the field, per source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) June 13, 2023
Five James Robinson Landing Spots
Arizona Cardinals
As it stands, the Arizona Cardinals only have James Conner, Keaontay Ingram, Corey Clement and TySon Williams. Beyond Conner, there is a huge void in talent. While Robinson is not a top running back, he would capably be Arizona’s second best running back.
Arizona is rebuilding this year but Robinson would be an interesting proposition. With low expectations, Robinson has a chance to make his mark on a short, low-risk deal in a run-heavy offense. If things go well, Arizona has the necessary cap space to parlay Robinson’s deal into something more lucrative. This gives both Robinson and Arizona a chance at a long-term future together.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are another team quietly undergoing a rebuild. For this reason, the young Robinson has a chance to earn a long-term deal on the Rams beyond 2023.
Currently, Los Angeles have Cam Akers as their starting running back. Behind him, there is little depth. The team have just Kyren Williams and Zach Evans, both of whom are unproven entities. Robinson adds necessary depth without incurring a big cost.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Like the Rams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help at running back. Rachaad White is the projected feature back but hardly has the role cemented. Chase Edmonds is also on the team, but he will likely serve a change-of-pace role.
Robinson fits well into Tampa Bay’s running back room. He would offer Tampa Bay the chance to utilize a running back committee of White, Robinson and Edmonds. In a wide-open NFC South, the Buccaneers have a chance of making the playoffs. This means that bolstering depth and adding talent is paramount.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints might lose Alvin Kamara due to legal issues. Behind Kamara, the Saints only have Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller. An extra body at a cheap price would bolster the depth for New Orleans at the running back position.
An extra nicety? Robinson’s most successful season in the NFL came in 2020, under head coach Doug Marrone. Marrone is currently the Saints’ offensive line coach. His familiarity with Robinson could pay dividends.
Chicago Bears
The final team on this list is the Chicago Bears. The Bears’ starting running backs are currently D’Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert. Rookie Roschon Johnson is the first backup behind the top options. While the Bears have solid depth, adding Robinson to the mix offers the team some competition.
With Chicago’s long-term future at running back far from determined, Robinson would also be given an opportunity to earn a long-term role on the Bears.
Other James Robinson Landing Spots
Other potential landing spots for Robinson include the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.
Cleveland obviously have Nick Chubb as their franchise back. However, with D’Ernest Johnson gone and the team reluctant to re-sign Kareem Hunt, Robinson offers some solid depth. With Chubb taking most of the load, Robinson would have a low-responsibility role.
Kansas City have Isaiah Pacheco as their starting back, but Robinson would offer some good depth. It is a similar situation with the Ravens. Baltimore have J.K. Dobbins as their feature back, but Robinson would aid the back end of the roster. He would be an important acquisition if the Ravens also end up moving off Dobbins before the 2023 season.
The Browns, Chiefs and Ravens are expected to compete in 2023. As such, adding a strong depth piece like Robinson would benefit them. Robinson also has insight on the Jaguars, Patriots and Jets playbooks. This means he would be able to provide his new team with some intel on some potential playoff competition.
The Cowboys and Eagles are also contenders, meaning a move for Robinson to bolster their depth would also be beneficial. Dallas will trot Tony Pollard out as the lead back. Having Robinson to complement Pollard might be best to balance out the workload.
The Eagles, meanwhile, thrive off good value at the running back position. Robinson would offer just that. Despite rejigging their running back depth chart by trading for D’Andre Swift and signing Rashaad Penny, Robinson adds extra competition and important depth. Given Penny’s injury history, this could be important.
On fourth and one!
James Robinson gets a 50 yard touchdown!! pic.twitter.com/9VPvUyssvO— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) September 25, 2022
Main Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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