Patrick Robinson Would Be a Perfect Fit for the Buccaneers

Aug 29, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive back Patrick Robinson (26) before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qualcomm Stadium. Seattle won 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive back Patrick Robinson (26) before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qualcomm Stadium. Seattle won 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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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

GamesDef InterceptionsFumblesSacks & Tackles
YearAgeTmPosNo.GGSIntYdsTDLngPDFFFmbFRYdsTDSkTklAstSftyAV
201023NOR34114000022622
201124NORcb/rcb21157431025153894
201225NORRCB21161639919918100001.053115
201326NOR2120110
201427NORdb/rcb211462202113273
201528SDGCB26161012702784364
Career74431015919954100001.01933614
5 yrsNOR5833913219946100001.01503014
1 yrSDG161012702784364

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.

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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?

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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.