A Free Agent Wide Receiver Who Could Help!

I wrote in a recent article about some of the Chief’s offseason needs in the order that I see them. The article was “The Pick Is In” and though it was an NFL Draft article, I observed that adding Allen Robinson would solve one of the positions of need for the Chiefs who definitely need a WR#2. Let me add the adjective “Desperately” as was proven during the 2021 season as well as in the AFC Championship game in which the offense stumbled horribly in the second half of the game. Read that article, here: https://arrowheadone.com/chiefs-positional-priorities-in-the-draft/

My conclusion was that there was only one glaring need on the offensive side of the ball. The Chief’s greatest need for the offense is to provide Patrick Mahomes with a #2 receiver who plays with consistency. At this point, there are no receivers on the roster that have provided that level of play. Veach signed Josh Gordon last year to see if he would be that receiver. That did not pan out.

Sure, I’d like a more explosive running back, but I don’t believe in putting much draft capital or cap space into the position. But imagine having a number 2 receiver that puts some fear into teams. The list of Free Agent Wide Receivers is really vast. And that fact alone makes this the year to go get one. The market should be depressed at least for the 2nd tier guys. My number one choice based on talent and perceived value is Allen Robinson.

Robinson has been a durable player over that time. In two of those seasons, he had over 1100 yards receiving. He’s considered by many to be one of the better receivers in the NFL. And he mostly put up nice stats playing in Chicago with absolutely no talent at the quarterback position. 2021 was a down year for Robinson. Robinson was targeted only 5.5 times per game. I don’t believe he suddenly forgot how to get open, but that the quarterback play went to an even lower level for him as the Chicago offense was abysmal. Because of that down year estimates put his annual average salary right around 16 million. That’s not at all an unreasonable amount to pay for the Chief’s 3rd option who on many teams would be the number 1 option.

The Chiefs should have plenty of cap space if they can sign Robinson to a 3 or 4-year deal that is backloaded for KC’s out. The question would be for Robinson: would he mind being the #2 WR, and the 3rd fiddle in order for a chance to get some rings?

If Robinson doesn’t work out I think there are a number of other receivers who would fit that role as well. I’ve always believed the Chiefs should pay their offensive players along with Patrick Mahomes and let the draft be dedicated to getting young and cost-controlled players that you are ok not paying when the time comes up. The amount of money we are paying for our defense, and in particular our defensive line has bothered me for quite some time. So prioritizing Robinson or another receiver of similar value allows you to focus almost the entirety of your draft on the defense. The Chief’s offense was on a whole other level when we had a healthy Sammie Watkins. Robinson would give similar and maybe even better results.

The Numbers game–Info from PFR

As you can see, 2021 is really an anomaly. His efforts in 2021 give a poor appearance after garnering a franchise tag in 2020 for $17.2M. However, he had a hamstring injury and contracted Covid-19, hence the number of missed games. Since HC Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace are out the door, Robinson is likely going to test the market in Free Agency. Spotrac anticipates that his market value will be $16.3M, which may be a bit high considering 2021.

Is Robinson a Fit for the Chiefs?

Here’s how I see things. Robinson would slide nicely into the receiver targets for Patrick Mahomes. from all I can see, he is exactly the type of WR that the Chiefs need for their #2. He can work out of the X and Z positions as well as fill the role out of the slot. He is very strong in 1-and-1 matchups. Robinson is a masterful route runner. He also is a WR who makes contested catches into receptions.

According to a long-time NFL Scout who was quoted in an article on Robinson at Pro Football Network: “Robinson is a tremendous route runner. I don’t know if he’s a sure No. 1 anymore — that remains to be seen — but he’ll be extremely productive because he has a really good skillset in terms of his route-running ability and catching skills.”

This statement by an NFL Scout informs me that the Chiefs would be a perfect landing spot for Robinson. Meanwhile, Brett Veach has a lot of positions spots to fill, especially on defense. Adding Robinson would resolve the one glaring need on the offensive side of the ball.

Shawn Sorter – ArrowheadOne