A’Shawn Robinson was one of the Rams’ biggest free-agent signings this offseason, adding the big nose tackle before bringing back Michael Brockers, too. He has yet to practice in pads with the Rams, however, after he was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list in August.
He only landed on that list because he previously planned to opt out due to the pandemic, but the Rams got creative with leaving the door open for him to play in 2020. Albert Breer of the MMQB shared details of how Robinson’s agent Sean Kiernan and the Rams worked out a deal to put Robinson on the NFI list rather than having him opt out, which would’ve ruled him out for the entire season.
According to Breer, Robinson agreed to go on the NFI list and lower his salary to $500,000 from the previous total of $2.5 million he was supposed to receive. It’s also $150,000 more than he would’ve gotten for opting out of the season, so it’s a win-win for him.
If he’s activated off the NFI list, which he can be after remaining on it for at least six weeks, his base salary would go up to $1 million. Breer reported that the Rams guaranteed Robinson’s 2021 salary ($3 million) for injury, giving him financial security for next year.
It’s a creative and wise move by the Rams, giving Robinson the chance to play if he changes his mind. But it also helps Robinson out because he’ll earn more money this year than he would’ve with an opt-out and still has financial security in 2021.
