Patriots Release RB James Robinson

JUNE 13: To little surprise, injury issues were indeed the reason Robinson was let go. The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reports (via Twitter) that Robinson “couldn’t stay on the field,” something which will no doubt hurt his value during his bid to find a new team in free agency (presuming he clears waivers today).

JUNE 12: New England’s addition of James Robinson proved to be a very short-lived one. The Patriots released the running back on Monday, per a team announcement. He will now be subject to waivers, and become a free agent if he clears.

Robinson joined New England in March, signing a two-year deal. On its face, that suggested the former UDFA would be a member of the team’s backfield for at least the short-term future, but no guranteed money was included in the contract as a result of injury concerns. Now, on the day physicals are taking place ahead of mandatory minicamp, he has been let go.

The 24-year-old burst onto the scene in his rookie campaign with the Jaguars. He posted 1,070 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, adding 344 yards and another three scores in the passing game. Jacksonville used a first-round pick on Travis Etienne in 2021, however, signaling the onset of at least a timeshare once he was healthy enough to see game action. That time came last season, and the latter quickly worked his way into the starting role.

With Etienne in place as lead back, Jacksonville dealt Robinson to the Jets in October. The Illinois State alum was brought in as depth for New York, and he saw limited usage during his time there. Robinson received just 29 carries, recording 85 scoreless rushing yards.

He was set to compete for a backup role in New England, a team which still has Rhamondre Stevenson in the fold but lost Damien Harris in free agency. Without Robinson, more attention will likely be paid to 2022 fourth-rounder Pierre Strong Jr. and sixth-rounder Kevin Harris; each of the latter two saw limited usage in their rookie seasons, but they could now be in line for an increased workload in the team’s new-look depth chart.

Robinson, meanwhile, will wait to see if he is claimed off waivers by a team looking for depth in its backfield. If that doesn’t take place, he will join a number of experienced backs still searching for their next NFL opportunity as the league’s last on-field actions before training camp begin to draw to a close.