INTERESTING NEWS: The Steelers should look to replace big play wide receiver Allen Robinson.
In the nine rounds prior, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected at least one wide receiver; but, in 2023, they did not select a receiver for the second time in three years. In the midway rounds of the draft, numerous receiver selections were made. On February 18, Curt Popejoy of USA Today’s Steelers Wire introduced the Steelers to Ainias Smith of Texas A&M, another possible mid-round receiver selection.
The veteran receiver Allen Robinson should be replaced by Smith, according to Popejoy, who suggested the Steelers choose Smith.
Ainias Smith is a versatile athlete who can be used as a returner, wide receiver, and running back, according to Popejoy. “He can change directions quickly, has a knack for big plays, and is extremely quick.”
Smith has 53 catches in 2023 for 795 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In the 16 games he played at college, he averaged almost 16 yards per reception.
Last summer, Robinson was acquired by the Steelers for practically nothing. In exchange for the seasoned receiver, they sent Los Angeles Rams seventh-round draft selections.
However, Robinson is projected to be worth roughly $11.9 million in 2024 after just 34 receptions for a pitiful 280 yards.
Robinson’s release will allow the Steelers to avoid paying the salary cap by $10 million.
Reasons for the Steelers to Cut Allen Robinson, WR
Robinson underperformed in2023, as was the case with several of Pittsburgh’s offensive players. Despite participating in every game, he only managed two catches on average each match.
Robinson’s yardage per reception averaged 8.2 as well. By almost two yards, that was the lowest yards per catch average in his career.
Robinson has 1,400 receiving yards and an average of 17.5 yards per catch in 2015. His 14 touchdowns also put him atop the NFL.
However, it seemed like Robinson’s days as a big-play danger were over. He’ll turn thirty-one before the 2024 season begins.
Arthur Smith, the new offensive coordinator, might cut into his playing time as well. The Atlanta Falcons had three tight ends line up for more offensive snaps than the team’s second-most-used wide out (in terms of snaps) during Smith’s tenure as head coach, calling offensive plays.
Drake London was the lone receiver for Atlanta to play more than thirty-three percent of the team’s offensive snaps in the previous campaign.
Given Pittsburgh’s depth at wide receiver, Smith might employ more 3-wide receiver sets in 2024 than he did in the previous campaign. However, it will be the new offensive coordinator of the Steelers—not Robinson—who will prioritize getting Diontae Johnson and George Pickens targets.
Although Robinson performed well as a blocker for the Steelers in 2023, the organization cannot afford for him to return and contribute less than he did in the previous campaign. The much better course of action would be to set aside $10 million to avoid the payroll cap.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, may the Steelers target wide receiver Ainias Smith?
Robinson’s deal might be reworked by the Steelers to bring him back at a lower cap hit. However, it makes sense to pursue a receiver in the latter rounds of the NFL selection if that doesn’t occur.
Over the years, Pittsburgh has been very successful at achieving that. The Steelers selected wide outs Johnson, Pickens, and Juju Smith-Schuster on the second day of the draft.
The NFL draft in 2024 is still two months away. However, Smith’s current projection is to be a Day 3 prospect.
Smith is projected to be the 113th overall talent available in the 2024 NFL draft, according to Pro Football Focus. Smith is ranked 119th overall on Bleacher Report’s big board.
Currently, the No. 120 and 121 picks in the fourth round belong to the Steelers.
The Steelers ought to look at Smith as a backup option even if Robinson’s return on a less expensive contract is possible.
Robinson would offer the blocking, but Smith isn’t a finished product. Still, Smith might have the deep-threat potential that Robinson had in his early career.