What the Allen Robinson trade means for Steelers

Allen Robinson II. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

What the Allen Robinson trade means for the Steelers

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/19/23

The Steelers made a trade on Tuesday that nobody was expecting, acquiring WR Allen Robinson from the Rams. Here's what the move means for Pittsburgh.

First, it was a great deal. The Steelers didn't have to give up much to land the veteran wide receiver, only having to move down 17 spots in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Trade terms agreement:

Steelers get WR Allen Robinson and a 7th-round pick (No. 251).

Rams receive 7th-round pick (No. 234).

Rams pay $10.25 million of Robinson’s salary; Steelers pay remaining $5 million. Robinson is scheduled to be in Pittsburgh for a physical Wednesday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2023

It's also a cheap deal for Pittsburgh as the team is only paying Robinson $5M of his $15M salary. The Steelers will have to decide on Robinson following the 2023 season as he's signed through 2024, but let's see how he looks first.

Second, the move likely fills out Pittsburgh's receiving group for 2023, and as a result, the team is unlikely to select a receiver in the draft unless it is in love with a player.

There are a few names to watch like former Pitt WR Jordan Addison, Michigan State's Jayden Reed and Ole Miss's Jonathan Mingo. However, a selection would likely come after the first three rounds, so that would rule out Addison who's a projected first-rounder.

Lastly, it's a clear sign that general manager Omar Khan and the Steelers are going all in while QB Kenny Pickett is on his rookie deal. Trading for a soon-to-be 30-year-old receiver who's coming off a down year is an uncharacteristic move for Pittsburgh, but it may be a sign of things to come under the new regime.

"I love this trade," NFL analyst Adam Schein said. "They're going to be a sleeper team. Don't sleep on the Pittsburgh Steelers when it comes to being a playoff team in 2023."

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