Redskins sign former Jaguars offensive tackle Corey Robinson to roster
By Ian Cummings
The Redskins have a lingering need for depth at tackle, and today, they made a move to combat that need.
It was known that there would be a stubborn sort of uncertainty at the offensive tackle position for the Washington Redskins, once it was revealed that Trent Williams would be holding out of training camp, frustrated over both his contract and medical inconsistencies handled by the team.
The degree of that uncertainty, however, was not revealed until the first day of training camp concluded. Ereck Flowers, a free agent signing from the New York Giants, started with the first team at left tackle, and he did not impress. It took one day of Flowers, and Geron Christian’s absence due to rehab, for the team to host veteran tackle Donald Penn for a visit.
Penn worked out for the Redskins today, and joining him was Corey Robinson; a younger offensive tackle who’d previously embarked on stints with the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and most recently the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Redskins considered both players, but at the conclusion of the day’s training camp session, the Redskins settled on an option. Per Kareem Copeland of the Washington Post, the Redskins signed Corey Robinson to a deal. There’s also still a chance Penn is signed as well, as ESPN’s John Keim noted.
Robinson, 27, is nine years younger than Penn, and likely to be cheaper, as he is lacking in terms of recent high-level starting experience. Robinson was drafted by the Lions in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-7, 315, he offers great size for the Redskins at the tackle position, and he logged 28 reps in the bench press at the 2015 NFL Combine, showing off good strength for the length he possesses.
Robinson does have some starting experience; he’s started nine games and played in 27 total over the course of his career, with his most recent start coming at right tackle in Week 16 with the Jaguars last year. He has the versatility to play both tackle spots, but he’s likely merely depth for the Redskins.
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The Redskins still need to get their situation with Trent Williams settled, but while they do, they at least have a bit more insurance. Robinson will join offseason activities shortly, and Geron Christian got some reps with the first team today, implying that he’s at least close to full health. We’ll keep you updated on how this situation continues to play out.