LA Rams somehow find the money to sign DT AShawn Robinson

The LA Rams continue to spend money in NFL Free Agency by signing defensive tackle AShawn Robinson

The LA Rams apparently are not subject to the normal laws of economics. Less than 60 minutes after publishing an article where the math supporting the Rams’ 2020 NFL Free Agency moves reflected the team had exhausted all available dollars, the Rams are at it again.  The team is reportedly signing defensive tackle AShawn Robinson for a cool two-year deal worth $17 million.

How are the Rams paying for this? Well, the only conclusion not offending the laws of mathematics is that the team has indeed restructured one or more contracts, or is about to either trade or cut a player or players which will free up sufficient salary cap dollars.

The team was able to find a replacement, of sorts, for the defection of outside linebacker Danter Fowler Jr. by signing OLB Leonard Floyd.  In fact, in some ways, Floyd may be a better fit for the deceptive-based defense of Vic-Fangio-protege’ Brandon Staley.  Now the team has done the same in filling the void created by outgoing veteran Michael Brockers.

Modest past, solid fit, High ceiling

Robinson fits the mold of a Rams free-agent signing. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 322-pounds, he has the size and strength needed to fill in at any position on the defensive line. He was a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and is coming off a somewhat disappointing 2019 season.

He filled a blend of a starter versus a rotational role with the Detroit Lions, where he averaged approximately 50 percent of the defensive snaps. Never much of a pass rush generator, he did manage to pressure the quarterback 10 times and create eight hurries and one quarterback knockdown in addition to recording a sack in 415 defensive snaps.

Keep in mind that he has ties to new special teams coordinator John Bonamego, who filled a similar role with the Lions in 2019, the year Robinson played 39 snaps on special teams. Despite the down season, which some attribute to a nagging knee injury, he must have gotten a good endorsement by Bonamego. And he should, as his 2018 PFF grade was an outstanding 89.7.

While this will impact the Rams’ efforts to be awarded 2021 NFL Comp picks, the terms of his salary will likely negate the likelihood of the Rams’ fourth-round comp pick, and the two third-round picks remain intact.

We’ll have more in the near future. But this is a good signing for the Rams, as Robinson has a very high ceiling in the right scheme, is incredibly versatile for a big man, and will fill a vacancy which will allow the upcoming NFL Draft to focus upon best player available.