TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed cornerback and special-teams ace Josh Robinson, a source told ESPN. He'll immediately help fill the void left by last year's special-teams captain, Russell Shepard.
Here's more on the move:
Terms: It's a two-year deal worth $6.5 million with $3.5 million guaranteed.
ESPN 150 ranking: None.
Grade: A It's rare for a backup cornerback and gunner on special teams to get the type of recognition from fans that Robinson has, but the Bucs allowed just 5.6 yards per punt return last season, the fourth-lowest mark in the NFL and fourth-best in team history. It played a huge role in the defense's midseason 180. Robinson led the Bucs with 12 special-teams tackles, tied for ninth in the NFL. He's an all-out effort player who plays to the whistle on every snap and is a selfless teammate.
He's also got the ability to line up inside and outside as a backup cornerback and can line up at safety in emergency situations. His ability to play so many different roles, but in particular, his special-teams play, allowed the Bucs to part ways with Johnthan Banks, a former second-round draft pick, last season.
What it means: Shepard departed for the Carolina Panthers on a three-year deal worth up to $10 million, but with $2.5 million guaranteed, so he went after less guaranteed money than what Robinson will make, but with more earning potential. The Bucs offered Shepard a nice deal too, but he couldn't pass up what Carolina offered, which included the ability to play more snaps on offense. The team's pitch to both players was rewarding their outstanding special-teams play, becoming "one of the highest-paid special-teams players in the league."
What's the risk? There really isn't a risk in re-signing Robinson, and after losing Shepard, this needed to happen.
