The Giants have added one of the top remaining free agent defensive linemen in advance of the draft. New York has agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $8M with A’Shawn Robinson, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
This news comes more than a month after Robinson visited the Giants, his only known sit-down with an outside team during his time as a free agent. That meeting has led to a deal, one which will allow him to join a talented defensive front and attempt to earn a longer-term pact on the open market next offseason.
The 28-year-old is coming off a three-year, $18M contract with the Rams. Robinson started 24 of 35 games in Los Angeles, seeing his playing time increase with each passing season. He was productive during the team’s Super Bowl run in 2021, and remained a consistent run-stopper during his time on the West Coast. That led to a desire on the Rams’ part to work out a new contract, but they have spent much of this offseason shedding costs.
That left the door open to Robinson heading elsewhere as one of several veteran free agents in this year’s class. New York’s decision to host him signaled its interest in signing the former Lions second-rounder, but also its commitment to having notable depth along the defensive interior. Dexter Lawrence had a breakout season in 2022, and has likely played his way into a sizeable extension sometime this offseason. New York also has Leonard Williams in the fold, who is set to count for over $32M on the team’s cap sheet this year.
Robinson will look to occupy at least a rotational role alongside those two in 2023, a campaign in which the Giants will aim to repeat the success of their defensive front from last season. A strong season could pay significant dividends for both team and player. The Rams, meanwhile, have now lost Robinson and Greg Gaines from their DT room, meaning the position could be one of interest in the draft.
More must-reads: