The Panthers have made a move on cut day to secure some depth along the offensive line after suffering injuries to four potential starters over the course of the preseason, sending a conditional 2020 seventh-round draft choice to the Detroit Lions for 6-foot-7, 317 pound tackle Corey Robinson, according to sources.
Robinson, who was born in Havelock, North Carolina, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 draft.
The 26-year old Robinson, who was on the roster bubble in Detroit this offseason, started eight games over the past two seasons for the Lions, most of them at right tackle; he also made a surprise start at guard, so the former Gamecock can provide depth at multiple positions – much like Jeremiah Sirles, who went down with a hamstring injury only eight snaps into the third preseason game, where he was starting at right tackle.
.@lions @Ameerguapo scores a red zone TD for 2nd week in a row behind Corey Robinson trap blocks #BaldyBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/wZvUV2NZ2A
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 14, 2017
Robinson is in the final year of his rookie deal and is due to make just under $720,000 this season – this is only $175k more than the veteran minimum, so a minimal cap difference for a player that can slide in and perhaps spot start if Sirles, Matt Kalil and Amini Silatolu – all of whom still do not have a time frame for their return – are not ready to suit up for the Panthers’ Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Robinson was placed on injured reserve in 2017 with a foot injury but returned and started for the team’s Week 10 game – he also left Thursday’s preseason game with a foot injury, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press -he’ll have to pass a physical for the trade to be completed.
If Matt Kalil is unable to start Week 1 after having an arthroscopic procedure August 21st, Taylor Moton would draw the start at left tackle and Robinson may get the nod opposite Moton on the right side of the line – Robinson was expected to be the Lions’ top backup swing tackle in 2017 and it appears that’s what his role will be with the Panthers as well.
