The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly finalizing a trade to acquire Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Allen Robinson. It's been reported that Robinson is on his way to Pittsburgh currently to take a physical with the team. If that physical goes well, Robinson will be traded to the Steelers.
John McCoy / Getty Images
Many Steelers fans were concerned after the news broke that Robinson was being dealt to Pittsburgh. A lot of them looked at Robinson's big salary that he just signed prior to last season, and others wanted to hear what the compensation to the Rams was before making an opinion on the matter. Now we know the answer to both of those questions.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter is now reporting that the Steelers are sending their 7th round pick (#234) to the Rams for Robinson and their 7th round selection (#251).
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.
The other huge factor in this trade is the amount of money that the Rams are paying that the Steelers won't be. According to Schefter, the Rams will pay $10.25 million of his $15 million dollar base salary for 2023. The Rams already had paid Robinson a $5 million roster bonus at the beginning of the league year, so that was already done. So out of the $10 million remaining, the Rams will pay $6.25 million. That's an incredible buy for the Steelers. They land Robinson for $5 million in 2023 as a rental and can release him next offseason without fault.
Now you're probably saying what about next year? Well, the good news is the Steelers won't owe Robinson a single penny of guaranteed money outside of a roster bonus according to former agent Joel Corry. The team can obviously cut Robinson prior to him receiving that roster bonus and not be forced to pay that.
No guaranteed money in 2024 for Allen Robinson. $5.75M of his $15.75M is a 5th day of the 2024 league year roster bonus. https://t.co/5Zzrtpdo2t
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) April 18, 2023
If the Steelers intend to keep Robinson past 2023, they will need to make a decision. He would be set to count $18.55 million against the cap in 2024. That's a number the Steelers surely won't be paying.
Robinson, 29, was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played for the Jaguars for four seasons, from 2014 to 2017, and had a breakout year in 2015 when he recorded 80 receptions for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. This performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
Even if the move ends up being a one-year rental for the Steelers, it's a move that had to be made. Robinson's veteran presence will help an offense full of young players. Robinson's ability to play the slot will also give the Steelers a boost at the position. Behind Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, the Steelers had a lot of question marks at the position. Robinson also gives the Steelers a security blanket for 2023 if last year's fourth round pick Calvin Austin III doesn't work out. Austin of course missed all of last season with a foot injury after a solid start to training camp.
