Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan indeed wasn't done. He told the media a few weeks ago that he wasn't done, and he wasn't lying. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Steelers have traded for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Allen Robinson. It's a much-needed move for the wide receiver room, as the team was lacking experience beyond the top two wideouts in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.
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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Rams have already paid Robinson $5 million of his $15 million guaranteed for 2023. The Steelers are expected to pay at least a portion of the remaining $10 million, but the Rams may still help them pay more of it. Cap expert Joel Corry tweeted out that Robinson is due zero guaranteed money in 2024, making the money aspect even more affordable for Pittsburgh.
The #Steelers are working to finalize a trade to acquire veteran WR Allen Robinson from the #Rams and have been granted permission to give him a physical, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 18, 2023
If the Steelers are comfortable with the physical, Robinson is expected to land in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/AIm6BMox7l
The specifics of the deal have yet to be realized, but the Steelers likely didn't have to give up much. Robinson has seen his production dip dramatically the last two seasons, including in his lone season with LA in 2022. After signing a three-year, $46.5 million deal last offseason, Robinson caught just 33 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games.
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Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky was teammates with WR Allen Robinson in Chicago.
Another thing to note is that Robinson will reunite with his former quarterback with the Chicago Bears in Mitch Trubisky. The two enjoyed some memorable times there, as the former Penn State wideout had two 1,000-yard seasons with Trubisky in Chicago. Robinson's first season in LA came to end in November after he suffered a stress fracture in his foot.
What are your expectations for the new Steelers WR?
That led to the veteran undergoing season-ending surgery, which is likely why the physical is so important to completing this deal. If that goes will, Robinson will officially be a Steeler. Some may wonder what this means for Calvin Austin III, who faced a similar injury to Robinson in 2022. He was forced to miss all of his rookie campaign, but should be ready for 2023.
If anything, this move lets the speedster get fully healthy and develop in this Steelers offense. With zero NFL games under his belt, Austin can go through some growing pains while not having to be a top guy in this offense. Furthermore, Robinson brings some veteran leadership to this offense and wide receiver room. That will only help a guy like Austin, as the 2015 Pro Bowler Robinson has been around for nine years now.
What are your thoughts on this shocking trade? How do you think Khan has done in his first full offseason as the team's GM? Will the team still select a wide receiver in the upcoming draft? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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