Curt Popejoy of Steelers Wire, USA Today, suggested the Steelers should think about starting Ainias Smith at wide receiver in instead of Allen Robinson.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected at least one wide receiver in each of the previous nine rounds, while missing out on selecting a receiver in 2023 for the second time in three years. Those WR selections were heavily weighted in the middle of the draft. On February 18, Curt Popejoy of Steelers Wire, USA Today, linked the Steelers to Ainias Smith of Texas A&M, another possible mid-round choice for receivers.
To replace seasoned receiver Allen Robinson, Popejoy that the Steelers choose Smith. Popejoy noted, “Ainias Smith is a do-it-all player who can play wide receiver, running back, and returner.” “He has exceptional agility and direction switching, and he has a knack for big plays.”
Smith had 53 receptions for 795 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2023. In his final 16 college games, he averaged almost 16 yards per reception.
Robinson was acquired by the Steelers last summer for essentially nothing. In return for the seasoned receiver, they traded seventh-round draft selections to the Los Angeles Rams.
However, Robinson will only have accumulated 34 receptions for a pitiful 280 yards, meaning that his 2024 cap charge will be roughly $11.9 million.
Robinson’s release will save the Steelers $10 million against the salary cap.
Reasons for the Steelers to Cut Allen Robinson, WR
Robinson underperformed in2023, as was the case with several of Pittsburgh’s offensive players. Despite participating in every game, he only managed two catches on average each match.
Robinson’s yardage per reception averaged 8.2 as well. By almost two yards, that was the lowest yards per catch average in his career.
Robinson has 1,400 receiving yards and an average of 17.5 yards per catch in 2015. His 14 touchdowns also put him atop the NFL.
However, it seemed like Robinson’s days as a big-play danger were over. He’ll turn thirty-one before the 2024 season begins.
Under Arthur Smith, the new offensive coordinator, he might see less playing time. During his tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Smith called offensive plays, which resulted in three tight ends being lined up for more offensive snaps than the team’s second-most productive wide receiver.
Drake London was the lone receiver for Atlanta to play more than 33 percent of the offense snaps during the previous campaign.
Smith might employ more 3-wide receiver formations in 2024 than he did the previous year given Pittsburgh’s depth at the receiver position. However, the new offensive coordinator for the Steelers will prioritize getting Diontae Johnson and George Pickens targets—not Robinson.Although Robinson performed well as a blocker for the Steelers in 2023, the organization cannot afford for him to return and contribute less than he did in the previous campaign. The much better course of action would be to set aside $10 million to avoid the payroll cap.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, may the Steelers target wide receiver Ainias Smith?
Robinson’s deal might be reworked by the Steelers to bring him back at a lower cap hit. However, it makes sense to pursue a receiver in the latter rounds of the NFL selection if that doesn’t occur.
Over the years, Pittsburgh has been very successful at achieving that. The Steelers selected wide outs Johnson, Pickens, and Juju Smith-Schuster on the second day of the draft.
The NFL draft in 2024 is still two months away. However, Smith’s current projection is to be a Day 3 prospect.
Smith is projected to be the 113th overall talent available in the 2024 NFL draft, according to Pro Football Focus. Smith is ranked 119th overall on Bleacher Report’s big board.
Currently, the No. 120 and 121 picks in the fourth round belong to the Steelers.
The Steelers should take Smith into consideration as a backup, even if Robinson’s return on a less expensive contract is a possibility.
Smith lacks Robinson’s blocking ability and isn’t a full player. But Smith has the potential to be a deep danger, just as Robinson was early in his career.
Dave Holcomb is a sportswriter for Heavy.com who covers the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Holcomb, who is originally from Pittsburgh, has covered professional and collegiate sports for publications like Fansided, Rotowire, and Yardbarker. Additional information on Dave Holcomb
