Lions free agent profile: Allen Robinson should return to vet squad

Next up in our Detroit Lions free agent series we have veteran wide receiver and Detroit native, Allen Robinson.

Here’s a look at our previously written free agent profiles: WR Tim Patrick, G Kevin Zeitler, OT Dan Skipper, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, DT Kyle Peko, LB Derrick Barnes, CB Carlton Davis, CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Kindle Vildor, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, and K Michael Badgley.

Allen Robinson

Expectations heading into 2024

Originally a second-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Penn State, Robinson has been a very productive player since entering the league. And while he hasn’t eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in a season since 2020 with the Chicago Bears, the Lions clearly had a plan for the vet when they added him to their 16-man practice squad in late August of 2024.

The Lions’ receiving corps is a dynamic and talented group, led by Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. They are also still relatively young, so adding Robinson, along with fellow veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick, provided some veteran leadership for the whole room.

Actual role in 2024

Note: PFF grades combine regular season and playoffs and reflect a minimum 20% snaps at that position

12 games (0 starts)— 91 offensive snaps: 7 targets, 3 catches, 30 yards
FF offense grade: 57.8 (did not meet minimum snap criteria for rankings)
PFF receiving grade: 61.5
PFF run blocking grade: 49.7

While Patrick ended up being the veteran signing that played a more pivotal role for the offense on a weekly basis, Robinson was active for 12 games—with his season-high of 21 snaps coming in a Week 8 win over the Tennessee Titans.

On average, Robinson saw just over seven offensive snaps per game when he was up for gameday. Not a huge role in terms of time on the field, but it was clear the coaching staff trusted him in the role.

Outlook for 2025

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Pros of re-signing

Experience and affordability. Robinson has seen a lot of football, and in a pinch, he can certainly spot start when called upon. On top of that, his presence on the team’s practice squad, or, “Vet Squad,” as Lions’ coach Dan Campbell often refers to it, is valuable beyond what he produces on the field.

Just listen to how Campbell talked about Robinson’s effort as part of the scout team all season.

“He’s something else, he really is,” Campbell said. “I mentioned this a few weeks back, but I mean, he’s got the hunger of a rookie. I mean it’s impressive, for a guy that has played as much as he’s played and had skins on this wall and has made a lot of money, had a ton of production, and I mean he’s just – he’s ready to go. He’s ready to go at the drop of a hat, he can play any of the positions mentally, he knows them. You give him a rep and he’s all out, takes scout team reps, I mean, this guy is—he’s as pro as a pro gets.”

Cons of re-signing

There aren’t a lot of potential drawbacks for re-signing someone like Robinson. Sure, that spot could go to a younger player that has some developmental upside, but with the practice squad now at 16 players, chances are you already have the requisite room.

Is there interest from both sides?

I am sure if Robinson had to choose which practice squad to start the 2025 season on, the Lions would be near the top of his list. It’s his hometown, and if he is looking for a place to possibly secure a ring in the near future—Detroit might not be a bad place to be. Of course, with a player his age (32 in August), retirement is always a possibility, or he could be looking for an opportunity to compete for a starting role.

Robinson certainly fits Detroit’s culture, so it’s reasonable to think the Lions would be interested in bringing him back.

Cost?

In 2024, Robinson’s base salary was $1.2M. I would expect something similar in 2025 that is in line with the salary minimum for an 11-year veteran.

Conclusion

If the Lions want to continue their practice of having a few trusted veterans on their practice squad entering the regular season, I would think Robinson has to be a prime candidate to return to Detroit for a second season on the team’s vet squad.