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In March of 2018, the New Orleans Saints agreed to a 4-year, $20 million dollar contract with Patrick Robinson to shore up the slot cornerback position. Unfortunately, Robinson was lost for the 2018 season after sustaining a leg injury versus the Atlanta Falcons in week 3. It marked Robinson’s 3rd time being placed on injured reserve. Heading into 2019, Robinson was expected to return to 100% health and resume his role as the primary slot corner. Once camp started, other Saints cornerbacks were getting more reps in practice and playing time in preseason. Fellow Florida State alum, P.J. Williams, got the nod to start the season in the slot and Robinson was relegated to special teams duties and occasional appearances on defense.
Following a rash of injuries to the defensive backfield, Robinson was forced into a substantial amount of playing time late in the season. In his first truly extended playing time, Robinson performed admirably versus the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers to close the season. Facing similar short-handedness (Eli Apple did not play & Marshon Lattimore left injured) in the waning moments of the wild-card playoff game versus the Minnesota Vikings, Robinson was thrust into action and was immediately targeted by quarterback Kirk Cousins. Robinson was victimized by Cousins and wide receiver Adam Thielen for a 43-yard bomb to the Saints 2 yard line. The play inevitably led to a go-ahead TD and a Vikings win.
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With the emergence of rookie defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson in slot duty, Robinson’s future seems a bit shaky. But considering the high need for depth in the defensive backfield, a contract restructure could allow Robinson to remain a Saint heading into the 2020 season.
By The Numbers:
In 13 appearances (including playoffs), Robinson totaled 16 tackles, 14 solo, 2 passes defended, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 QB hit. His season AV: 1. Robinson’s PFF grade: 62.0
He played 170 defensive snaps for 16% and 128 special teams snaps for 28%.