Patriots sign running back James Robinson to two year deal

Posted By on March 15, 2023

The Patriots have signed veteran running back James Robinson to a two year deal worth up to $8 million dollars. Robinson spent last last season with the Jags and the Jets.

The third year running back had a career year in 2020 when he came out of nowhere to rush for 1,070 yards and 7 touchdowns. That season he also caught 49 passes for 344 yards and three receiving touchdowns. He was on his way to another productive season his second year in the but an Achilles injury ended his season.

As a result, Robinson was leapfrogged by Travis Etienne in Jacksonville and subsequently traded to the Jets last season where he struggled to carve out a role for himself after the Jets lost Breece Hall for the season with a torn ACL.

Despite that, Robinson has caught 91 passes in his career and averaged 4.4 yards a carry so if the Patriots can get him back on track, they will have a nice complement to Rhamondre Stevenson.

Robinson profiles as a possible third down back. He needs to be more consistent in pass pro but he could certainly thrive in the Patriots system if he gets the requisite touches.

Bottom line. This is low risk, high reward signing. It makes a ton of sense for the Patriots.