The Pittsburgh Steelers chose to keep experienced wide receiver Allen Robinson at a lower salary according to The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov. However, that didn’t happen for Robinson and the team.
ESPN’s Field Yates reported on March 8th that the Steelers let go of Robinson. This move saved the team $10 million in cap space for the 2024 season before top 51 roster displacement.
Robinson was in the final year of his contract with the Steelers. He recorded He had 34 catches for 280 yards in 17 games for the Steelers last season.
In addition to Robinson, the Steelers let go of experienced cornerback Patrick Peterson on March 8th. By making both cuts, Pittsburgh gained $16.85 million in cap space (before top 51 roster displacement).
Steelers Release WR Allen Robinson
The Steelers obtained Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams for almost nothing last April. In the trade, the Steelers and Rams exchanged 2023 seventh-round draft picks.
That was well worth the risk that Robinson could bring an exciting element to Pittsburgh’s passing game. Robinson had previously achieved three 1,000-yard receiving seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears.
But that didn’t really happen. Robinson had limited opportunities due to the struggles the Pittsburgh passing game faced in 2023. Robinson also didn't do much with the chances he had.
He averaged a career-low 8.2 yards per reception. He had never averaged under 10 yards per catch prior to 2023.
While Robinson was a decent blocker and positive presence in the locker room, his performance couldn’t justify the Steelers bringing him back with an $11.9 million cap hit next season.
“Robinson was a leader, willing blocker and made some key third down catches for the Steelers,” Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “But there was no juice in his game. Pittsburgh needs more dynamic plays.
“Wasn’t worth retaining even if he would’ve slashed his salary.”
Meirov suggested the idea of the Steelers wanting to keep Robinson if he signed a contract with a lower cap hit. It’s unclear as of March 8th if the Steelers tried to make that a reality or if Robinson was unwilling to agree to a smaller deal.
In 10 NFL seasons, Robinson has recorded 562 catches for 7,028 yards and 43 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl with the Jaguars in 2015 when he led the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns.
Possible WR Targets for the Steelers
The Steelers don’t need to replace a lot of production with Robinson’s exit. But there are also trade rumors circulating about Pro Bowl wideout Diontae Johnson Even if Johnson remains on the team in 2024,.
he will be a free agent next offseason . So, it would be surprising if the Steelers don’t add a receiver in some capacity this spring.The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly mentioned
as “tier 2” potential free agent targets for the Steelers. Kaboly also suggested receivers Gabe Davis and Tyler Boyd Jamison Crowder as an option if the Steelers want to go after another experienced slot receiver. Steelers Now’s Chris Ward wrote
On March 8, that the Steelers showed a lot of interest in wide receivers at the NFL combine. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggested the Steelers as a potential option for Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, who might be chosen in the top 10 of the 2024 class. , who may become a top 10 pick in the 2024 class.The cost to trade up for Odunze will probably be too high. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Steelers signed an experienced wide receiver and then added another receiver on the second day of the draft.
ESPN’s Field Yates reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers have let go of wide receiver Allen Robinson.
