Steelers Projected to Release Veteran WR Allen Robinson II

The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of decisions to weed out some cap space in the coming months. When the team made the move for Allen Robinson II, the Rams were looking to offload a significant portion of what had become a burden on their cap situation to the Steelers, who had plenty of space.

In 10 games in 2022, Robinson caught 33 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns. However, over his 110-game career, Robinson has amassed over 5000 yards and 500 receptions in his storied career. But in 2023 he was primarily used as a lead blocker. And while he cost just $3 million against the cap in 2023, he will cost over $11 million against the cap in 2024.

That led Aaron Schatz to predict in a recent ESPN breakdown that the Steelers will likely move on from Robinson in the offseason to give them far more flexibility.

“The Steelers will cut veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson II, who was a disappointment in 2023 (34 catches for 280 yards). That move can save the Steelers $10 million on the cap in 2024 with just $1.9 million in dead money,” Schatz wrote.

As Robinson’s role solidified throughout the season, he became more adept. The Steelers need blocking wide receivers to execute their run success, and with the first interview coming from the Sean McVay tree, it makes sense to want a guy who is gritty and willing to do whatever it takes to squeeze the most out of a play.

But Robinson’s not worth that cap hit. Perhaps the team could look to bring him back on a cheaper deal, but Robinson could explore the market and find a spot that might give him more than what the Steelers would offer for his veteran services. Instead, it likely seems that the team will go outside to either free agency or the NFL Draft to shore up the room heading into 2024.