The Buccaneers are in need in the defensive backfield. They had a tough time against the pass. Patrick Robinson is a free agent that isn’t a big name, but one that Jason Licht should bring in, as he would be a perfect fit for the team.
The Buccaneers had a rough time in pass defense, which ended up being a big part of the reason that Lovie Smith is now unemployed. Giving up 31 touchdowns versus 11 interceptions is a clear sign of trouble. They need help, and free agency is a great place to quickly fill needs. Patrick Robinson is an unrestricted free agent cornerback that is not a big name and floats a bit under the radar. Jason Licht should take note, as he would be a perfect fit for his team in Tampa Bay.
Here are Robinson’s career stats to date:
Defense & Fumbles
| Games | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | Sacks & Tackles | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Age | Tm | Pos | No. | G | GS | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | Fmb | FR | Yds | TD | Sk | Tkl | Ast | Sfty | AV |
| 2010 | 23 | NOR | 34 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 26 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| 2011 | 24 | NOR | cb/rcb | 21 | 15 | 7 | 4 | 31 | 0 | 25 | 15 | 38 | 9 | 4 | |||||||
| 2012 | 25 | NOR | RCB | 21 | 16 | 16 | 3 | 99 | 1 | 99 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 53 | 11 | 5 | |
| 2013 | 26 | NOR | 21 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2014 | 27 | NOR | db/rcb | 21 | 14 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 32 | 7 | 3 | |||||||
| 2015 | 28 | SDG | CB | 26 | 16 | 10 | 1 | 27 | 0 | 27 | 8 | 43 | 6 | 4 | |||||||
| Career | 74 | 43 | 10 | 159 | 1 | 99 | 54 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 193 | 36 | 14 | |||||
| 5 yrs | NOR | 58 | 33 | 9 | 132 | 1 | 99 | 46 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 150 | 30 | 14 | ||||
| 1 yr | SDG | 16 | 10 | 1 | 27 | 0 | 27 | 8 | 43 | 6 | 4 |
Admittedly, he has fallen off in the interception department since his departure from New Orleans, posting only one interception. Robinson is only 28 years old, however, with many years left in the tank, still holding onto the prime of his career.
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
As we go more deeply into Robinson’s numbers (Pro Football Focus), we see that he is a player that is better than one might realize.
Robinson graded out well, posting an overall PFF grade of 5.7. He placed second in the league at cornerback, allowing only 8.9 yards per reception. He held quarterbacks to a very respectable NFL passer rating of 74.0. He also placed sixth in the league, allowing .78 yards per coverage snap. He may not draw a lot of attention, Patrick Robinson has coverage skills and is a solid tackler.
Jason Licht may not have to break the bank to bring him in either. Last season, according to Over the Cap, Robinson made $2 million. It certainly will take a raise to bring him in, as it does with any free agent. But, how much? He only picked off one pass last season, starting only ten games. Is this the production that merits a huge raise?
More buccaneers: Five Bucs that Must Be Resigned
The Bucs may have the opportunity to bring him in for $3-$4 million per season, which is a bargain for a talented 28-year-old cornerback that has starting experience in his career.
The Bucs would be well-served to give Robinson a long, hard look. He would make an excellent fit in the backfield.