NFL Fans Surprised Patriots Released Free Agent Running Back Signing
Orchard Park, NY - December 6: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines. The Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots in a Monday night NFL game at Highmark stadium in Orchard Park, NY on Dec. 6, 2021. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
James Robinson didn't last long with the New England Patriots.
Per ESPN's Field Yates, the Patriots waived the 24-year-old running back, who signed a two-year deal in March. Robinson looked poised to replace Damien Harris as a prominent backfield presence alongside Rhamondre Stevenson, but he'll instead become a free agent if clearing waivers tomorrow.
Onlookers responded to the unexpected development.
"Wow. That’s surprising," MassLive's Mark Daniels wrote.
"Been a rough 12 months for James Robinson," Antwan V. Staley of the New York Daily News noted.
"I refuse to believe James Robinson isn’t worth a contributing role on somebody’s roster," FOX4's PJ Green declared.
"Awful what happens to some players after major injuries, especially running backs," The Florida Times-Union's Demetrius Harvey wrote.
Upon joining the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent, Robinson began his career by posting 1,414 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2020. His role decreased amid Urban Meyer's dysfunctional reign before an Achilles tear ended his 2021 season.
Robinson gained just 85 yards on 29 carries for the New York Jets after getting traded last October.
New England signed Robinson to a contract with no guaranteed money, indicating health concerns from the organization. ESPN's Mike Reiss noted that players are currently undergoing physicals at minicamp, but it's unclear if there's any connection.
