Patrick Robinson, Eagles sign one-year contract

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially signed free agent cornerback Patrick Robinson to a one-year contract. Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice was first to report the news. Ian Rapoport notes the deal is worth $1 million.

It’s no surprise the Eagles wanted to add another cornerback given the glaring hole they have at the position. Philadelphia will be starting two new players on the outside this season after cutting Leodis McKelvin and letting Nolan Carroll leave in NFL free agency. It’s also no surprise the Eagles are bringing in Robinson considering the team reportedly showed interest in him last offseason.

Robinson, who turns 30 in September, was selected by the Saints at No. 32 overall in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. During his five years with New Orleans, Robinson played in 58 games (33 starts) and recorded 150 tackles, nine interceptions, and 46 passes defensed. He signed with the Chargers in 2015 and started 10 games there before joining the Colts last season. Robinson suffered a groin injury last year that limited him to playing in only seven games.

Robinson is far from a solution to the Eagles’ at cornerback. Rather, much like the Chris Long signing, he provides veteran depth and experience at a position of need. The Eagles are still expected to pick at least one cornerback (if not multiple corners) in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Cornerbacks on the Eagles’ roster now include: Jalen Mills, Ron Brooks, C.J. Smith, Aaron Grymes, Dwayne Gratz, Mitchell White, and Robinson. Safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Jaylen Watkins also have the ability to help at corner.

There’s been some speculation the Eagles might release Brooks when he’s healthy enough to pass a physical so that’s a situation to keep an eye on as well.