The Steelers are looking to build around their young quarterback, while the Rams are looking to offload some salary. It’s perfectly plausible that the two sides would match up well and could work out a deal for a big-name receiver.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that Pittsburgh is working to finalize a trade to acquire veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson from Los Angeles. According to Pelissero, the Steelers have been granted permission to bring in Robinson for a physical. If all goes well and the Steelers are comfortable with the results of the physical, Robinson is expected to return to the state of Pennsylvania.
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.
If the Steelers are comfortable with the physical, Robinson is expected to land in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/AIm6BMox7l
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 18, 2023
Robinson, of course, starred with the Penn State Nittany Lions in college before entering the league. Since then, the 29-year-old has spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears and most recently, the Rams. If the Steelers do elect to acquire Robinson, he’d be another option for second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, and a veteran one at that. Robinson would join a depth chart that includes wide receivers like Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Anthony Miller.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter pointed out that Robinson is due $15 million guaranteed this season, $5 million of which has already been paid by the Rams. According to Schefter, it’s expected that the Steelers will pay a portion of the $10 million remaining to Robinson.
The NFL world reacted to the potential blockbuster trade on social media:
Adding Allen Robinson to the WR room feels similar to signing Patrick Peterson earlier in FA. An older veteran with a solid career who can mentor a young position group. In Robinson's case, he'll be a good guy for guys like George Pickens and Calvin Austin III to learn from.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) April 18, 2023
Allen Robinson is totally washed up. The only thing this trade means is that Calvin Austin is probably never getting a chance. https://t.co/e37SqkPbdN
— Tyler (@TylerFFCreator) April 18, 2023
He may have had a down season in 2022, but new #Steelers WR Allen Robinson brings a big body that can line up inside or on the boundary that can make contested catches and move the chains. A reliable, proven veteran for Kenny Pickett in Year 2. https://t.co/X8NV2fWqj7
— Jonathan Heitritter (@J_Heits) April 18, 2023
Is Kenny Pickett the best QB Allen Robinson has ever had?
— Michael Beck (@MichaelBeck56) April 18, 2023
One thing that has been a constant theme in Omar Khan's first full offseason as Steelers GM: if he sees a hole on the roster, he will be aggressive to fill it.
Closing in on a trade for WR Allen Robinson is just another example of that.
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) April 18, 2023
Steelers trading for Allen Robinson when they could just get a Day 3 guy to give them 400 receiving yards next season is bold.
— Zachary Krueger (@ZK_FFB) April 18, 2023
From out of nowhere, looks like the Steelers might not be done with their pre-draft moves. Allen Robinson played in both the slot and outside last season with the Rams in his limited action, so we'll see what kind of compensation it would require. https://t.co/rUen9D0ZmW
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) April 18, 2023
Allen Robinson not signing with the Eagles last year changed the course of the entire 2022 season https://t.co/RC4O1Pgba5 pic.twitter.com/r2MMy6Kf5l
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 18, 2023
This past season, Robinson played in just 10 games, recording 33 receptions for 339 yards with three touchdowns. For his career, Robinson has hauled in 528 receptions for 6,748 yards with 43 receiving touchdowns. While Robinson isn’t the receiver he once was, he could provide some invaluable experience for the Steelers and Pickett.
[Tom Pelissero, Adam Schefter]
