How Rams Signing Allen Robinson Created Trade Domino Effect with Eagles

Los Angeles Rams receiver Allen Robinson II found himself juggling decisions during free agency last offseason.

Los Angeles Rams veteran receiver Allen Robinson II didn't have the season he was expecting after signing with the defending champs in a potential career-altering move last offseason.

LA finished with a brutal 5-12 record while Robinson had totaled just 33 catches for 339 yards and three touchdowns. He never topped more than 63 receiving yards in a single game all year, playing in just 10 contests before being ruled out for the season due to a foot injury that requires surgery.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles soared to unexpected heights, earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC Playoffs behind the elite play on both sides of the ball. Philly was on the cusp of its second Super Bowl title but fell short to the Kansas City Chiefs in a 38-35 thriller on Feb. 12. 

A key reason for the Eagles’ success was the addition of star receiver AJ Brown, who Philly traded for in the offseason in order to get quarterback Jalen Hurts a true No. 1 receiver. 

But could it have been Robinson in Brown’s place? 

According to reports from The Athletic, Robinson was “on the verge” of inking a deal with the Eagles in free agency, but it was some strong convincing from the defending champs in LA that swayed him to sign with the Rams. 

The Eagles, who were then out of the Robinson sweepstakes, traded for Brown about a month later before eventually signing him to a four-year, $100 million deal.

"Robinson was on the verge of signing with the Eagles at the time, team and league sources told The Athletic in September, but after a late-night phone call, McVay’s, Stafford’s and Kupp’s enthusiasm — and the role they described to him as a high-volume No. 2 receiver in the Rams offense — swayed Robinson to sign a three-year, $46.5 million contract."

The Eagles are likely glad the way things turned out considering how stellar Brown’s 2022 campaign was. Despite finishing with the 13th-most catches (88), Brown still managed to total the fourth-most receiving yards (1,496) and tied for the third-most receiving touchdowns (11). 

He and the Eagles got to play in the sport’s biggest game. Robinson is still recovering during an offseason that was supposed to feature another Rams championship parade. 

It’s easy to see who won throughout all of the circumstances of last offseason. 

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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