The Pittsburgh Steelers will enter the 2023 season with a new and improved wide receiver room. After trading for Allen Robinson on Tuesday, the Steelers got some much-needed depth at the WR position. Robinson will join George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Calvin Austin III, and Anthony Miller to round out their best five. How will the offense look in 2023 with the Steelers' new playmaker?
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Former Chicago Bears wide receiver, Allen Robinson.
With two young receivers in Pickens and Austin, trading for Robinson was a great move. The Steelers normally like to build through the draft, but Omar Khan has been busy in free agency. Robinson's experience will help out the two young wideouts, especially Austin, who has yet to play an NFL game. Robinson hasn't played a full year since 2020 when he posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Chicago Bears. After a couple of injuries, he looks to get back to his old self in Pittsburgh. Robinson comes over from LA and was brought in for relatively cheap.
Trade terms agreement:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2023
🏈Steelers get WR Allen Robinson and a 7th-round pick (No. 251).
🏈Rams receive 7th-round pick (No. 234).
Rams pay $10.25 million of Robinson’s salary; Steelers pay remaining $5 million. Robinson is scheduled to be in Pittsburgh for a physical Wednesday.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett will now have an abundance of pass catchers to throw to, including Pat Freiermuth. The Penn State tight end has racked up 1,229 yards in his first two seasons in the NFL. Freiermuth, as well as the receiver duo of Pickens and Johnson, will certainly remain as the top three targets in the offense, with all three playing a majority of the snaps. With Austin missing all of his rookie year with a foot injury, it would be tough to rely on him to come in and produce right away. Trading for a known receiver in Robinson was crucial for the offense heading into 2023.
Joe Rondone, USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Wide Receiver Calvin Austin III
Who Will Play Slot For The Steelers?
Pickens and Johnson will see most of their playing time on the outside. Austin played in the slot in college, but might be eased into playing time to start the year. He was a stellar punt and kick returner at Memphis and likely takes over those duties after the Steelers lost Steven Sims to the Houston Texans. Miller could be an option to man the slot. He was sidelined the entire year due to a shoulder injury, but looks to battle for playing time in 2023. Robinson might be the Steelers' primary inside receiver, sharing a very similar build to JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Allen Robinson slot % by season, per PFF:
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) April 18, 2023
2022 - 33.6%
2021 - 36.0%
2020 - 28.9%
2019 - 41.3%
2018 - 39.8%
That inside-out versatility gives the Steelers, who needed another slot option, some good flexibility.
Robinson will be the wildcard to how Pittsburgh sets up their wide receivers. His career has been built on his quick releases on the outside, but he's no stranger to lining up in the slot. Robinson will certainly see some time on the inside, sharing the duties with Miller and Austin. No matter how the Steelers line up their personnel, however, they have multiple options and won't have to rely on someone shouldering the load.
Sipa US / Alamy Stock Photo
Chicago Bears Wide Receiver Allen Robinson
The Steelers trading for Robinson will likely take them out of the running for any of the wide receiver prospects in the upcoming draft. After a busy free agency, the Steelers will try to add even more firepower when the draft kicks off on April 27. Pittsburgh will most likely look to improve the cornerback room and both the offensive and defensive line with their first three selections.
Who do you think will be the primary slot receiver in 2023? Let us know in the comments below.
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