The Los Angeles Rams’ rebuild includes trading away wide receiver Allen Robinson, who is set to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to reports.
The 29-year-old only joined the Rams in free agency last off-season in a deal worth $46.5million (£37.5m) and joined with a big reputation following stints at the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Chicago Bears. However, Robinson’s performances in 2022 were underwhelming, posting his lowest receiving total in a season since his one game played in 2017 with 339 yards in 10 games.
According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, the Rams and Steelers are working to finalise a trade that would send Robinson to Pittsburgh. The Steelers have also been given permission to give Robinson a physical.
And if the Steelers are happy with the results, the former Pro Bowler will arrive in Pittsburgh, with the NFL franchise coughing up $5m (£4m) of his salary, while the Rams pay the remaining $10.25m (£8.26m).
As a sweetener, the Rams will receive a 2023 seventh-round pick, No.234 overall, with Robinson and the No.251 pick going the other way.
Robinson is one of many that have been traded or released. Jalen Ramsey was traded to the Miami Dolphins, while Leonard Floyd, Troy Hill and A’Shawn Robinson became free agents.
Taylor Rapp signed with the Buffalo Bills, Greg Gaines joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Riley Dixon landed at the Denver Broncos, Matt Gay moved to the Midwest to play for the Colts and Bobby Wagner rejoined the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams have a lot of work to do before the 2023 season. The team only has 45 players on its roster currently, and they’ll need 90 by the time training camp rolls already early this fall. The LA-based franchise has 11 picks in the NFL Draft at the end of the month. The earliest they pick is at No.36 and their last is at No.251 in round-seven.
The Rams have found success historically in the later rounds of the draft and could trade for more to help facilitate their rebuild. That will help the Rams fill out their roster with a young and hungry team.