BREAKING: Saints To Sign Veteran Running Back

Saints to add veteran running back depth, per reports.

NFL Insider Aaron Wilson is reporting that the New Orleans Saints are signing RB James Robinson on Tuesday afternoon. Robinson was one of four backs to work out with the Saints on Tuesday, according to Wilson. On Wednesday, Robinson was officially added to the team's practice squad. 

A four-year NFL veteran, Robinson was an undrafted rookie out of Illinois State in 2020. He was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he rushed for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie. His statistical production slipped in 2021, but he'd still lead the Jaguars with 767 yards and eight scores on the ground. 

Midway through the 2022 campaign, Robinson was traded to the New York Jets. After 340 rushing yards and three scores for Jacksonville, he'd have only 85 yards for the Jets over four games. He'd sign with the New England Patriots this offseason but was released early in training camp.

The New York Giants picked Robinson up, but he was again released prior to the start of the year. The Green Bay Packers added Robinson early in the season, but he only appeared in one game before being released. 

Robinson, 25, has 2,264 career rushing yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 4.4 per carry. A competent receiver out of the backfield, he's also caught 92 career passes for 615 yards and five touchdowns.

Sep 18, 2022; Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson (25) runs for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

At 5'9" and 219-Lbs., Robinson is most effective between the tackles with his powerful running style. His underrated burst also allows him to be effective on off-tackle plays. He's expected to add depth for the Saints behind backs Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. 

New Orleans ranks just 20th in rushing production this season. They average 104.5 yards per game on the ground, but have been held under 100 yards in seven of their 13 outings, with their 3.7 per carry ranking just 28th in the league. 

Kamara leads the Saints with 564 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Williams has added 190 on the ground and has no touchdowns. Taysom Hill is actually second on the team with 346 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. However, Hill is also dealing with a foot injury that sidelined him last week. Rookie RB Kendre Miller has also missed the last four games with an ankle injury.