Philadelphia Eagles agree to terms with CB Patrick Robinson
By Ryan Quigley
After spending most of free agency building around Carson Wentz, the Philadelphia Eagles have finally signed a cornerback.
The Philadelphia Eagles have finally added a cornerback to the roster.
Just hours after signing defensive end Chris Long, the Eagles have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Patrick Robinson. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the deal for Robinson is one year with just $1 million guaranteed. PhillyVoice’s Jimmy Kempski was the first to report the signing.
Robinson spent last season with the Indianapolis Colts, but was released earlier this month after failing to meet the team’s expectations. While Robinson didn’t have his proudest campaign in 2016, he was superb with the San Diego Chargers in 2015.
Patrick Robinson cut by IND. While it didn't work there, was good in 2015 with SD. Allowed just 8.9 yards/catch in 2015, 74.0 rating allowed
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) March 10, 2017
Prior to his brief stints with the Colts and Chargers, Robinson spent five seasons playing for the New Orleans Saints, who selected him in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. During that span, Robinson registered 180 combined tackles, 46 pass deflections, nine interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble in 58 games. Four of his five seasons in New Orleans were spent playing with current Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins.
Robinson has the versatility to line up in the slot and on the outside, which the Eagles tend to like in their corners. Here is an analysis of Robinson’s play, courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
"In five years, Robinson typically graded out above-average with the Saints, and had a career resurgence with the Chargers. He allowed just 8.9 yards per catch, which was the best for cornerbacks thrown at 40 or more times last season. He would play outside in San Diego’s base defense at times, and then would play in the slot in the Chargers’ nickel. When he lined up in the slot, he allowed just 0.78 yards per coverage snap—2nd best for cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps in the slot, behind only Chris Harris."
This is not a long-term solution for the Eagles’ secondary. Robinson is 29 years old and beyond his best days. However, he immediately joins the Eagles as the most experienced cornerback on the roster. Their next most experienced corner is Ron Brooks, who isn’t even guaranteed a roster spot in 2017 after missing most of last season with a ruptured right quadriceps tendon.