Allen Robinson will play for his fourth different team in as many years if he manages to make the Giants’ roster in 2024. The veteran receiver acknowledged he was caught off guard by the fact he was a free agent this offseason while adding he has no intention of retiring.
The 30-year-old spent last season with the Steelers, serving as a full-time starter. Robinson’s production (34 catches for 280 scoreless yards) represented a step back from that of past years, though, and Pittsburgh made the unsurprising move of cutting him in March. That led to an unexpected (from Robinson’s perspective) stint in free agency.
“I know for them, they were doing a lot of changes over there, schematic changes, and different things like that,” he said of Pittsburgh, via Michael Elsen of Giants.com. “So, it was a little surprising. But at the end of the day, it’s a part of the business. I’ve been in this thing now going on 11 years.”
The former second-rounder established himself as a high-profile receiver during his time with the Jaguars and Bears, topping 1,000 yards three times in a career known for often featuring subpar quarterback play. Those stints were followed by one-and-done campaigns with the Rams and Steelers, during which Robinson saw his output drop considerably. He will aim to rebound this year as at least a depth contributor for the Giants.
“I knew right away I was playing again,” the Penn State product added. “In my eyes, I know for sure I’ve got a couple more years in me. Last year, kind of stepping into the season, I wasn’t quite 100 percent. I was coming off a foot injury. So, being able to have this offseason to really be healthy and train and do all those things, I knew for sure. There was no doubt for me as far as playing wise.”
New York’s 2024 receiving corps includes Malik Nabers, selected with the sixth overall pick after the team’s Drake Maye trade-up efforts were rebuffed. The Giants also have Darius Slayton back in the fold with an apparent contract resolution having been found. They, along with the likes of Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson and Isaiah McKenzie will play varying roles in New York’s passing game. Robinson could provide a veteran presence to that group while potentially helping his 2025 free agent stock in the process.
