After winning the Super Bowl, all the Los Angeles Rams talked about was wanting to run it back in 2022, although only if everyone was back.
Aaron Donald was the most vocal about this, saying he would be willing to come back if the team re-signed Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. as rumors of his retirement swirled.
Unfortunately though, things have played out differently so far in free agency as Miller instead signed a six-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.
With the Rams not being able to retain Miller, they have money to spend elsewhere, with re-signing Beckham still being something both parties are said to be interested in.
It appears the Rams are using some of that cap space to add to their wide receiver room, although it’s not Beckham as the team has made a surprise move signing former Chicago Bears wideout Allen Robinson to a three-year contract, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:
The #Rams are signing WR Allen Robinson to a three-year, $46.5 million deal that includes $30.7M fully guaranteed, per sources.
The deal was negotiated by agents @bparker of @vaynersports and Roosevelt Barnes. https://t.co/sBlfz6iTEb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2022
Considering what other free-agent receivers such as Christian Kirk (four years, $72 million with the Jacksonville Jaguars) have gotten, then is a very team-friendly contract for Robinson.
While it would be natural to think that giving this deal to Robinson means that Beckham won’t be returning, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, that isn’t necessarily the case:
I am also told this move does NOT mean the Rams don't also want to re-sign Beckham. That deal is tricky and may take some time to work out considering injury and eventual return timeline. https://t.co/ZRhJwrZOf0
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) March 17, 2022
If the Rams are still able to retain Beckham, who is expected to miss at least half of the regular season as he recovers from the torn ACL, then they would unquestionably have the most talented wide receiving corps in football.
With Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Van Jefferson all expected to return, Robinson gives the Rams yet another threat on the outside for Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay to work with.
While Robinson is coming off a down year in 2021, only catching 38 passes for 410 yards and a touchdown in 12 games with the Bears, he has consistently produced as a top receiver in years prior despite never having consistent quarterback play.
In 45 games across three seasons with the Bears prior to 2021, Robinson hauled in 255 receptions for 3,151 yards and 17 touchdowns. Prior to that, he also had a 1,400-yard, 14-touchdown season with the Jaguars.
Still just 28 years of age, Robinson should thrive in the Rams’ system the same way Beckham did after coming over in the middle of last season.
While the Rams still have another needs to address in free agency and the draft, their offense is looking like it will be as potent as ever in 2022. Whether that is enough to convince Donald to return despite losing Miller remains to be seen, although he has reportedly been involved in extension talks with L.A.
