NY Jets: Top 5 reasons why Khiry Robinson makes sense

Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson (29) runs against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets added another dynamic play-maker into their backfield via free agency that should work very well in 2016. Khiry Robinson will be a valuable part of the Jets’ new three-headed monster ready to be unleashed.

When the Jets figured they would lose running back Chris Ivory via free agency, they quickly went to secure their next new premier running back. To kickoff the new league year, the Jets acquired Matt Forte via free agency which was a very smart pickup. He’s easily an upgrade over Ivory but like any running back, he’ll need some partners in crime to share the workload.

Forte will add a nice dual-threat option to the Jets’ offense with his finesse style of running and ability to go the distance in open space. The Jets were also able to re-sign Bilal Powell who will add his top receiving skills to the Jets’ offense as an effective option out of the backfield.

To round everything out, the Jets strategically acquired Robinson to launch a potent three-headed attack at running back. A talented trio that is capable of doing everything and anything they are asked to do with execution and precision. Robinson will end up being a huge piece of the puzzle thanks to everything he brings to the table.

Without further adieu, here are the top five reasons why Robinson makes sense for the Jets.

Next: 5. A perfect contract

Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson (29) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. A perfect contract

Robinson agreed to a three-year deal worth only $80k. That’s right, as per Darryl Slater of NJ.com, his total guaranteed money is just his $80k signing bonus, his base salary for 2016 is also only $675k with a cap hit of only $1.1M. Talk about getting a quality player with an inexpensive tab.

General manager Mike Maccagnan once again made a brilliant move acquiring a player that will be an immediate contributor and not break the bank in the future. Robinson is a low-risk/high-reward kind of player that will no doubt make the most out of his big opportunity in the city that never sleeps.

As Maccagnan continues to work his magic this offseason, since the Jets have very little money to play with this time around, it’s these kind of smart yet perfect contracts that will ensure the team will always be able to compete. It’s not easy to have a consistent contender year in, year out but making smart moves like this in free agency is what it’s all about.

If all goes according to plan, Robinson could end up being a nice catalyst on offense for the Jets.

Next: 4. An opportunity to shine

Oct 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson (29) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

4. An opportunity to shine

Robinson has been with the New Orleans Saints for just three seasons as an undrafted free agent. He’s been buried on the depth chart and hasn’t truly been given an opportunity to shine. Things are about to change as now with the Jets, Robinson will be a part of something special.

It’s hard to determine just how the depth chart will look between now and the season opener in 2016. If one had to make a guess though, Forte would undeniably be the Jets’ starter and both Robinson and Powell would compete for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots respectively. Powell is more of a complete running back able to rush or receive as Robinson could be used to spell relief for Forte during breaks.

In his career so far, Robinson has totaled 766 rushing yards on 186 attempts and eight touchdowns. Although it’s not his strength, Robinson also totaled 178 yards on 25 receptions as a receiving target on the Saints’ offense.

With his decision to take his talents to the Jets, he now has a golden opportunity to shine with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey that will make his playbook catered to Robinsons’s strengths. Expect to see him used in ways the football world isn’t use to seeing from his years spent in the Big Easy.

Next: 3. Jets returning to a former offensive strength

Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson (29) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jets returning to a former offensive strength

The Jets have usually been known as a run-oriented kind of offense. Last season, Gailey had to adjust to a more spread offense but the more he relied on it, everything became one-dimensional and made the Jets’ offense too predictable. Without an established ground game, the aerial attack of the Jets was all they really had against opponents.

Once Ivory fizzled out towards the middle to end of last season, too much pressure was put on the passing game which didn’t always work in favor of the Jets. When it mattered most in their season finale against the Buffalo Bills, they fell short since they relied too much on their aerial attack to get the job done.

Heading into 2016 by the looks of it so far, the Jets might be preparing to imagine life without quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. If he doesn’t return for next season, the Jets might shift into gear to utilize more of a potent ground attack that should have them win plenty of football games, regardless who is under center.

They’ll be playing much tougher opponents next season and to win football games means to win the battle of the trenches. Expect to see the Jets make their ground-and-pound offense a strength again and add more talent to their offensive line via free agency and the 2016 NFL Draft.

Next: 2. Best years ahead of him

Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson (29) against Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Chris Conte (23) and cornerback Johnthan Banks (27) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. Best years ahead of him

At just 26-years-old and considering the Jets possibly could retain him for the next three seasons, if Robinson turns out to be a huge acquisition via free agency, he could truly push the envelope next season. He doesn’t have much wear and tear and could add a very nice dimension to the Jets’ offense via his rushing skill-set.

Since Forte is more of a finesse rusher like Powell is, one can envision Robinson being more of a power runner that wouldn’t be afraid to do his best in plowing through defenders. Either way, he could potentially have a breakout season if everything aligns in his favor and the Jets do what they can to bolster their offensive line to support him.

The situation Robinson is in now with the Jets could potentially rejuvenate his career with the opportunity that he’s being presented with. Maccagnan knows talent when he sees it and with adding a younger option at running back in Robinson, this could turn into one heck of a pickup.

Expect to see Robinson use this opportunity to his advantage and work hard this offseason to be fully ready for training camp and preseason football. He’s coming off a broken leg injury so he will undoubtedly put in even more hard to work to impress his new team. He has everything to gain and nothing to lose if he can play to his potential.

Next: 1. The ability to address other needs

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker Demario Davis (56), New York Jets defensive end Leonard Williams (92) and New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) rush the line In the first half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

1. The ability to address other needs

Now that the Jets rounded out their new lethal backfield on offense with the addition of Robinson, it now lets them address other needs across the team. As previously mentioned, their offensive line and pass rush still need to be addressed.

Many thought the Jets might consider drafting a running back with their No. 20 overall pick in this year’s draft but now they can use it on another position that needs an upgrade. The Jets’ insider linebacker corps is getting old and needs an infusion of youth.

It would make sense for the Jets to head the route of drafting the best available linebacker and possibly add another inexpensive option via free agency to their offensive line. It would also be wise of the Jets to draft even another offensive lineman via the middle to later rounds of the draft to start getting quality depth now to develop for later.

More jets: 2016 NFL Draft Profile: QB Jared Goff

Overall, Robinson will more than likely end up being a very nice pickup. He has a ton of upside and will be playing with a chip on his shoulder after being released by the Saints. Sometimes with a new team and with everything to earn, it’s a great combination for future success.

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