Brian Robison Isn’t a Viking. What’s Next for Him?
Jhawthorn16
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The Vikings decided to go with youthful potential instead of proven but declining veterans this week by cutting veteran players such as Brian Robison and Terrance Newman. Newman has since officially retired and accepted a coaching job on the Vikings’ staff. Robison on the other hand, has not officially retired and his now former teammate Everson Griffen said he thinks Robison will play this season. As of Monday, September 3rd, Robison is a free agent waiting for a call from a team. I personally believe that Robison could be a rotational pass rusher for a team and could help keep the starting pass rushers fresh all season. Robison could also retire and go live by a lake and fish all day long, but he has yet to announce his retirement, so let’s break down 4 potential outcomes for Robison for the upcoming 2018 NFL season.
- RETIREMENT
Robison is a 35-year-old pass rusher whose regression has been noticeable. Reports this offseason stated that the Vikings had to talk Robison into playing a final season with the team and Robison was reluctant at first to stay active. Robison has shown through the years his love for fishing through his iconic sack celebration and is an avid outdoorsman. Robison apparently wanted to walk away from the game this offseason, so he could take this cut and walk away to his new life as a no worries fisherman.
- GREEN BAY PACKERS
Green Bay needs help at pass rusher, and they fell short to their bitter rivals, The Chicago Bears, in the Khalil Mack trade race. The Packers have a potent offense with Rodgers coming back and going on the Rodgers Revenge Tour, but the defense is going to be relying on 2 good run defenders and 2 young defensive backs in their first year in the league. The Packers could look to add a rotational veteran to the defense, so the starters can stay fresh and still have an impact late in games. Now, I don’t think Robison will go to Green Bay just to spite the Vikings, and Robison has shown to have a good relationship with Zimmer and the Vikings’ organization, but the Vikings kind of wasted Robison’s summer. Robison was talked into coming back for a season and then gets cut at the deadline, so maybe he stays in the division and helps the Packers beat up Kirk Cousins.
- LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Rams spent big in free agency to add elite defenders and weapons for the young Jared Goff. The defense bolsters All-Pro names such as Aaron Donald, Ndominkun Suh, Aqib Talib, and Marcus Peters. The Rams have 2 potential weaknesses on their defense, linebacker and edge rusher. With Donald and Suh commanding a double team for one of them, this will leave the edge guys in a 1-on-1. Robison could go to L.A. and be a rotational rusher who will consistently get 1-on-1s, and also potentially snag a Super Bowl Ring in the process.
- OAKLAND RAIDERS
Oakland traded away their best player Sunday, sending Khalil Mack to the Bears. Mack will be leaving a gaping hole at pass rusher and the team’s next best is the aging Bruce Irvin. Robison could go to Oakland if he feels he can still be a starter in the NFL, and Gruden has shown in the past he prefers veterans to young players. While Robison would be a part of a rotation with young players, he could get a majority of the snaps in obvious passing situations, and I think Robison would be an upgrade from some of the younger players Oakland has in place.
Brian Robison was one of my all-time favorite Vikings, and I hope he retires soon and enjoys his new life. The arguments I’ve made above do have holes in them, especially the fact I listed teams that run a 3-4 defense meaning they rush linebackers instead of edge rushers. Robison will be going to a team to make an impact on passing downs, not to be a full-time starter. So, he could fit in a 3-4 defense if he is used correctly. No matter what happens to Robison, I wish him all the best and I’ll always remember his fisherman sack celebration. Robison showed that he was a pro’s pro, taking a backseat to the emerging Danielle Hunter and being a great mentor to all the young Vikings’ pass rushers. Robison may never play a down in the purple and gold again, but he’ll always be a Viking to this fanbase. SKOL!