KC Chiefs: Demarcus Robinson will command more than Chiefs can afford
By John McCarty
KC Chiefs free agent receiver Demarcus Robinson will likely command a salary that exceeds what the Chiefs can/should pay. Let’s look at what a potential contract could look like for Robinson.
Continuing in a line of Kansas City Chiefs free agents and what they may command on the open market, we take a look at young wide receiver Demarcus Robinson.
The four year veteran began his career on special teams and worked his way in to the rotation at wide receiver, but – to this point – has failed to make a true impact at the position. However, free agency much like politics, can create weird bedfellows. What is the value of Demarcus Robinson?
| Years | Catches | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards/Catch | PFR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cordarrelle Patterson | 63 | 26.5 | 254.75 | 1.25 | 9.613 | 3.75 |
| Taylor Gabriel | 54 | 40 | 475.75 | 1.75 | 11.894 | 4 |
| Marquise Goodwin | 43 | 22 | 364.75 | 1.25 | 16.580 | 3 |
| Quincy Enunwa | 40 | 29.5 | 405.25 | 1.25 | 13.737 | 3.25 |
| Tyler Boyd | 40 | 50.66 | 618.66 | 3.33 | 12.212 | 5.33 |
| Jamison Crowder | 56 | 55.25 | 657 | 3.5 | 11.891 | 5.5 |
| Tyrell Williams | 52 | 38.75 | 632.5 | 4.25 | 16.323 | 5.5 |
| Chris Conley | 53 | 26 | 309.5 | 1.5 | 11.904 | 3.25 |
| Average | 50.125 | 36.0825 | 464.77 | 2.26 | 13.019 | 4.1975 |
Above is a group of receivers of varying contract lengths and values in an attempt to get a ranging contract length, values and performance in an attempt to get an estimate of what Robinson could ask for and maybe get in a new deal.
| Years | Catches | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards/Catch | PFR | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demarcus Robinson | 64 | 18.75 | 237.25 | 2 | 12.65 | 2.5 | |
| % Difference | 21.68% | -92.44% | -95.90% | -13.00% | -2.89% | -67.90% | -41.74% |
If we take these numbers, we find that Robinson through the first four years averages -41.95% production compared to the average of the group. If we take those numbers, which averages have a three year contract, we get this contract for Robinson.
| Years | Average Salary | Total Salary | Total Guarantees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinson contract | 3 | $5.453 | $16.358 | $9.437 |
That, in short, is a lot of money for a player that has had the most impact on special teams as opposed to offense. To give a player that much money is not something the Chiefs need to be doing at this juncture, not with Patrick Mahomes as the quarterback and the top three targets, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Mecole Hardman established. Robinson is not anywhere near that mix.
There are already reports from Arrowhead Addict that both the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles could have interest in Robinson. The Eagles make a lot of sense as they simply ran out of receivers last season and are in need to targets, and Eagles coach Doug Pederson coached Robinson here with the Chiefs during his rookie season. Robinson would likely be able to step in and contribute quickly due to a similar offensive scheme.
There are players you can afford to keep and players you can’t. In a draft that appears to be REALLY deep at receiver and needs on defense in free agency, the Chiefs likely will allow Robinson to enter and depart in free agency, and will use early an early draft pick on a receiver to work behind the aforementioned three along with Byron Pringle.
Related Story. All-Time Leaders in Receiving Touchdowns. light
While Robinson was fun to watch at times, it makes no sense to try and keep him in a KC Chiefs uniform.