As NFL teams continue to make moves in 2022 free agency, rumors continue to swirl surrounding WR Allen Robinson. What are the latest reports and NFL rumors saying about where Robinson could be playing in 2022 and beyond?
Allen Robinson Rumors
It took little to no time at all for the wide receiver free agency market to begin to dwindle. The largest splash was Christian Kirk receiving a massive contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. If not for Trevor Lawrence, the happiest person very well might be Robinson.
Sure, Robinson undoubtedly had a downturn in production last season. A hamstring injury limited him to 12 games in 2021, and he seemed to never be on the same page with Justin Fields, catching 38 receptions for 410 yards and 1 touchdown in 2021. Those were career lows for Robinson outside of his one-game 2017 campaign when he tore his ACL.
However, Robinson has multiple seasons of high-level play, including 98+ receptions and 1,100+ yards in his two previous years. At just 28 years old, he still has several years of high-level play ahead of him. Given his track record, and after watching Kirk establish the market for this free agency’s receiver class, Robinson could be in for a lucrative payday as a team’s top target.
Several teams are rumored to be “in the mix” for Robinson
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, several teams are “in the mix” to sign Robinson. Teams mentioned by Rapoport are the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite trading for Amari Cooper, the Browns still need depth at receiver. On Monday, they released veteran Jarvis Landry and have yet to make a decision on current free agent Rashard Higgins. Currently, Donovan Peoples-Jones would be the likely No. 2 alongside Cooper. If rumors are to be believed, Robinson’s addition would substantially boost the Browns’ offense, giving Baker Mayfield one of the best 1-2 duos in the NFL at his disposal.
Both the Jets and Raiders make sense for Robinson
In all likelihood, Robinson wants to be the No. 1 target as he has been for virtually his entire career. Both Las Vegas and New York would allow this to happen.
The Jets have a star in the making with Elijah Moore, but he projects as a high-volume slot receiver and not as a traditional X. Zach Wilson did show flashes of why he was so highly coveted for his off-platform ability and could benefit from someone like Robinson, who would bring a significant catch-radius to the offense. If rumors are correct, Robinson’s addition could substantially quicken Wilson’s development at QB.
The arms race is on in the AFC West, and we have yet to see the Raiders dip their toes into the free agency pool. They have a glaring need at the receiver position, especially on the perimeter.
Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller have been Derek Carr’s top targets in recent years. However, the Raiders need someone capable of splash plays downfield, something the offense lost following the off-field incident involving former receiver Henry Ruggs III. The Robinson and Waller duo in the red zone would also be a nightmare for defenses to cover, as both specialize when the area of the field shrinks.
Are the Lions still in play after recent moves?
While the Lions might still be involved in rumors surrounding Robinson, did the addition of DJ Chark Jr. on Tuesday change their plans. Signed to a one-year deal, Chark hopes to get his career back on track in Detroit. Paired with Amon-Ra St. Brown and recently re-signed Josh Reynolds, the Lions are hoping to give Jared Goff more weapons in 2022.
For a team still building the foundation of their roster, I am unsure if the Lions want to spend the estimated $16.3 million AAV (four years, $65.5 million) on Robinson. If they did, there would be no denying the talent on the offensive side of the football.