Buccaneers Re-Sign Josh Robinson
Josh Robinson emerged as a terrific special teams player for the Buccaneers in 2016 and on Saturday was rewarded with a new contract.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have brought back reserve cornerback Josh Robinson on a two year deal worth 6.5 million dollars. Robinson, a graduate of University of Central Florida, joined the Buccaneers last season after spending the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. Robinson spent most of his time last year as a backup and thus had modest statistics, only tallying eleven tackles and no interceptions.
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While the 26 year old Robinson hasn’t been able to get much playing time as a corner, he’s managed to find his niche as a special teams cover ace. Robinson could be seen flying down the field time and time again last season and made several big plays on Bryan Anger punts. With the Buccaneers putting a special emphasis on having a strong special teams unit, it comes as no surprise that they’d bring Robinson back.
Josh Robinson is particularly important for the Bucs now that former special teams captain Russell Shepard has joined the Carolina Panthers. Russell was a leader and critical component of the Buccaneers punt and kick coverage groups, and his departure leaves a void that the Bucs will hope Robinson can fill. Keep an eye on Robinson as a potential special teams captain for 2017.
As for Robinson’s future prospects at cornerback, it seems that his role will be the same that it was last year. With Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves locked in as the two boundary corners, Jude Adjei-Barimah likely the nickel and Ryan Smith the primary back-up, Robinson won’t see much of the field, barring injury. Still, Robinson’s experience in the league and excellent ability on special teams makes this a rock solid signing for Jason Licht and the Buccaneers.