Allen Robinson Was Surprised Steelers Cut Him

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Allen Robinson II
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson II during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 23, 2023. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

New York Giants wide receiver Allen Robinson revealed in a recent interview with the Giants official website that the Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to cut him came as a surprise.

The Steelers released Robinson on March 8 in a salary cap-related move. Robinson had been set to earn $10 million in salary in 2024. It had been reported that the Steelers were attempting to negotiate a deal that would bring Robinson back to Pittsburgh at a reduced salary, but that never came to fruition.

Robinson noted that the Steelers had a lot of coaching and schematic changes this offseason, so the changing of guard with Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator could have played a part in his release. Regardless, Robinson understands that it’s a business and he’s now going on 11 years in the league.

Robinson played and started in all 17 games for the Steelers in 2023, but he hardly produced. He caught 34 passes for 280 yards and did not score a touchdown. That kind of production wasn’t worth bringing back at a $10 million salary. His numbers have significantly dropped in the last four years, as well.

The Steelers signed wide receivers Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller in free agency this offseason. They also selected Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third-round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Robinson signed with the Giants on May 9. It’s the fifth NFL team for the Penn State product, who turns 31 on Aug. 24. He is the third former Steelers wide receiver on the Giants, joining Gunner Olszewski and Miles Boykin.

In his 10-year career, Robinson has recorded 562 receptions for 7,028 yards and 43 touchdowns. He’ll serve as a veteran leader in the Giants’ locker room for young receivers Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt.

Robinson says he’s grateful to be a Giant and claimed he has a couple more years in him. Robinson and the Giants face the Steelers on Monday Night Football on Oct. 28 at Acrisure Stadium.

 

 

Tags: