Steelers ‘Prefer to Retain’ Veteran Cut Candidate at ‘Reduced Salary’: Report

Wide receiver Allen Robinson was about as safe of a bet as a cut candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers as any around the league entering the offseason. Robinson caught 34 passes with just 280 yards for the Steelers in 2023, and the team can save $10 million by releasing him.

But The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov reported that the Steelers aren’t against Robinson returning if he agrees to a lower cap hit.

“Robinson is a potential cut candidate due to his cap number exceeding $10 million, but the Steelers would prefer to retain him at a reduced salary,” Meirov wrote. “Team officials met with Robinson’s representation in Indianapolis.”

Although Robinson didn’t supply much as a pass catcher in 2023, he was a solid blocker for the team’s running game. That could be why the Steelers are aiming to bring him back although for a lower salary.

The Steelers acquired Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams last April. In the deal, the Steelers and Rams exchanged 2023 seventh-round picks.

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Why the Steelers Could Bring Back WR Allen Robinson

Robinson began his NFL career as a big playmaker with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears.

He made the Pro Bowl in 2015 while leading the league with 14 touchdowns. Robinson posted 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2015, 2019 and 2020.

With the Jaguars, he also averaged 14.1 yards per reception.

Robinson stopped being a big-play machine three years ago. He’s averaged under 11 yards per reception in each of the past three seasons. With the Steelers, he registered a measly 8.2 yards per catch.

But according to the Pro Football Focus player grades, Robinson was an above average blocker in 2023. With the Rams during 2022, Robinson scored blocking grades above 67 (out of 100).

The Steelers established themselves as a run-first offense again at the end of last season. They’d probably like that to continue under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in 2024.

So, Robinson could have value as a blocker in the slot. But, not for an $11.9 million cap hit.

To have Robinson on the roster at a lower cost, though, the veteran will have to accept a major pay cut. The Steelers could release Robinson and only receive a $1.9 million hit in dead cap space.

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Potential Changes Coming to Steelers WR Room

Robinson isn’t the only Steelers wideout with rumors circling him this offseason.

Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline reported on March 3 that the Steelers are willing to depart with wide receiver Diontae Johnson for the right price.

“While it’s not fair to say Johnson is on the trading block, several people tell me the Steelers are open to moving the receiver if they receive fair compensation,” wrote Pauline.

He did not elaborate on what “fair compensation” could be.

Like Robinson, Johnson is under contract for 2024, but his deal ends next year. Johnson is still in his prime, so he is likely looking for a contract extension from the Steelers this offseason. That would prevent Johnson from entering the 2024 season as a lame duck.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan declined to comment on the progress the team has made or not made in contract negotiations with Johnson at the NFL combine.

Johnson is set to have a $15.8 million cap hit for the 2024 season. Depending on the trade agreement, the Steelers could open up another $10-plus million in space by dealing Johnson.

However, the Steelers would have to replace a lot more production departing with Johnson than with Robinson.

Johnson has posted 391 receptions, 4,363 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns in 77 career NFL games. Last season, he had 51 catches, 717 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.

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