Saints sign free agent cornerback Patrick Robinson
By Jon Benne
Patrick Robinson comes back home to the team that drafted him in 2010, signing a four-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.
The New Orleans Saints have brought back a familiar face, signing free agent cornerback Patrick Robinson. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the deal is worth up to $20 million over four years, with $10 million in guaranteed money.
Robinson returns to the same team where he spent the first five years of his career. The Saints selected him in the first round of the 2010 draft. In 2015, they let Robinson go in free agency, following several years of uneven production. He spent just one year each with the Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts, before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017.
Robinson had one of his best seasons yet in 2017, recording four interceptions and 18 passes defended. He played a pivotal role on the Eagles’ pass defense, manning slot corner for the Super Bowl champions. Robinson’s biggest play of the year came in the NFC Championship game, where he got a 50-yard pick-six that ignited the Eagles’ rout over the Minnesota Vikings.
The Eagles attempted to re-sign Robinson, but ultimately didn’t have the cap space for what he sought. Now the 30-year-old heads back to a team that revitalized its defense last year and is loading up on reinforcements.
The Saints’ defense experienced a quick turnaround last season. Defensive Rookie of the Year Marshon Lattimore made an instant impact and Ken Crawley emerged as a solid starter. That improved defense helped New Orleans get back in the playoffs after going 7-9 three straight years.
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Robinson has experience playing on both the outside and slot, giving defensive coordinator Dennis Allen more versatility in his secondary. They also signed linebacker Demario Davis, adding another veteran piece to the puzzle.
Robinson’s first Saints tenure didn’t work out as hoped, but he’s coming back as a reliable veteran with Super Bowl experience. It’s a good signing for a team that’s loading up for one last run with Drew Brees. The Saints are making aggressive moves as they try to stay competitive in a deep NFC South.