Steelers Rumors: Allen Robinson Released, Saves $10M in NFL Salary Cap Space

The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson on Friday, according to ESPN's Field Yates.

By cutting ties with Robinson, the Steelers created $10 million in salary cap space (via ESPN's Adam Schefter).

The 30-year-old was acquired by Pittsburgh in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2023 offseason. In his lone campaign with the Steelers, he recorded 34 receptions for 280 yards while starting in all 17 regular-season games.

This comes as a mild surprise despite his low production, as Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported on Sunday that Pittsburgh preferred to retain him "at a reduced salary." Steelers officials met with Robinson's representatives at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, although it appears that an agreement wasn't reached.

Pittsburgh is clearly focused on saving cap space ahead of free agency, as the team also released veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson on Friday. While a return to the organization for both Peterson and Robinson isn't completely out of the question, it would come at a significantly lower cost.

The former second-round pick exploded onto the scene shortly after he was drafted, with the wideout reeling in 80 catches for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns during his sophomore campaign in 2015. That ultimately proved to be the high mark of his career, as he's surpassed the 1,000-yard threshold in just two of the eight seasons since. In fact, he's recorded 1,029 yards in the past three years combined.

While he may no longer be a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver, he should be able to find a new home in free agency. Robinson took strides as a run blocker in 2023, while he also embraced a leadership role in a relatively young Steelers wide receiver room.