NFL Trade Grades: Steelers acquire former Pro Bowl WR for Kenny Pickett
The Los Angeles Rams are trading Allen Robinson to the Pittsburgh Steelers, assuming he passes a physical, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Allen Robinson has made one Pro Bowl in his NFL career, and his last two seasons have not gone according to plan. To be fair, however, he was catching passes from a rookie in Justin Fields and didn’t have stable QB play last season with the Rams.
Robinson has talent, and is just 29 years old. For the Steelers to develop Kenny Pickett, they need to provide the right weapons and surround him with talent. The Penn State product Robinson is a good start, along with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.
Next, it would be wise for Pittsburgh to work on their offensive line, perhaps with their first-round draft pick.
NFL trade grades: Steelers deal for Rams WR Allen Robinson
Steelers Get
WR, Allen Robinson
Rams Get
Unknown draft pick
For now, it’s unclear exactly what draft selection the Rams will get back in return for Robinson. What we do know is that Pittsburgh will take on some of his remaining salary, but not all of it.
This was likely a prerequisite for the Steelers trading a draft pick for Robinson. The following, from Adam Schefter, sums up Robinson’s contract dilemma:
“Allen Robinson is due $15 million guaranteed this season, of which the Rams already have paid $5 million. It is expected that the Steelers will pay a portion of the remaining $10 million to Robinson, per sources,” Schefter tweeted.
In their quest to win a Super Bowl two seasons ago, the Rams forfeited an astounding amount of draft capital. It worked, as Los Angeles won it all with Matthew Stafford at QB. Since then, it’s been all downhill.
Jeremy Fowler revealed that Pittsburgh will give up a Day 3 pick for Robinson.
Considering we don’t know who the Rams will select with Pittsburgh’s Day 3 pick, it’s easy to proclaim the Steelers winners of this deal. Pickett’s development is paramount, and Omar Khan knows this.
Steelers trade grade: B
Rams trade grade: C