Lions Sign Former Pro Bowl Bears Wide Receiver

by · The Fresno Bee

The Detroit Lions have added veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson into the mix ahead of their Week 4 game against the Seattle Seahawks. He was signed to the active roster on Thursday.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the news of the signing on social media.

Robinson was on the Lions practice squad but now could see more playing time with the team this week. He only played one snap for the Lions in their win over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend but failed to register a catch.

Detroit could use another pass catcher in the lineup, especially with tight end Sam LaPorta dealing with a potential ankle injury. Robinson gives the Lions a veteran presence within their wide receiving room as they look to get their season fully back on track.

Read more: Lions HC Dan Campbell Provides Massive Injury Update on Sam LaPorta

Robinson was one of the best wideouts in the NFL a few years ago but has since declined due to age and injuries. His best overall season was during his 2015 campaign as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he caught 80 passes for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The 2015 season was his only trip to the Pro Bowl. Robinson also was the NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader, tied with Brandon Marshall of the New York Jets and Doug Baldwin of the Seattle Seahawks.

He spent four seasons in Jacksonville before joining the rival Chicago Bears on a three-year deal that was worth $42 million in 2018. His best year with the Bears came in 2020 as he registered 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns.

His addition to the Lions could make a difference for quarterback Jared Goff. Alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and newly signed Tim Patrick, the Lions could boast a strong receiving core. Robinson will likely slot in as the No. 4 option for Detroit moving forward.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes originally said that the organization had been a fan of Robinson for a long time before signing him to the practice squad.

"Allen Robinson, he was a guy that we wanted to add in free agency a couple of years ago." Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after Detroit signed Robinson to the practice squad. "Obviously, a Detroit kid from here, but that's not the reason why he's here, he's another guy that can step in and we know he can play. So right now, it's all about getting them acclimated."

He spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing in 17 games. The veteran wideout caught 34 passes for 280 yards but failed to record a touchdown during the season.

If he can help the Lions offense become even more dynamic, it will be a success. Detroit takes on the Seahawks at home on Monday Night Football this week.

For more NFL news, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.

Related Articles

2024 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published September 26, 2024, 11:36 AM.