Crusader

The New Orleans Saints are not expected to make a contract tender to restricted free agent running back Khiry Robinson according to a league source, which will allow Robinson to hit the open market.

Robinson, 26, remains open to returning to New Orleans according to the source, depending on how things shake out. The Saints needed to offer Robinson a one-year deal worth at least $1.67 million to maintain their right to match any other offer he got.

The Saints’ decision is a bit surprising, since Robinson has shown so much potential the past three years as a backup. But they have several other options, including Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller, Marcus Murphy and unrestricted free agents Tim Hightower and Travaris Cadet.

This makes it seem even more likely the Saints will try to bring back Hightower, who was tremendous during the final month of last season. And they don’t really have room for both Hightower and Robinson, especially considering they have much greater needs at other positions and precious little salary-cap space.

That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if Robinson thrives elsewhere and make the Saints regret letting him go. The same thing happened with Chris Ivory, whom they traded to the Jets in 2013.

Robinson finished last season on injured reserve with a fractured tibia that he suffered in November, but is expected to make a full recovery.

He came out of nowhere as an undrafted rookie out of West Texas A&M in 2013. No team even signed him after the draft. He joined the Saints after a three-day tryout at their rookie minicamp.

Robinson emerged late in that rookie season, however, with Saints coach Sean Payton’s mentor Bill Parcells even comparing him to Curtis Martin. Robinson had a total of 766 yards and eight touchdowns in three seasons.

He did have off-the-field issues last year. Sources confirmed to ESPN that Robinson was fined by the team for striking an intern during training camp. Pro Football Talk reported Robinson struck the intern after a dispute about whether Robinson owed the intern money for driving him on an errand.

The Saints have three other restricted free agents: guards Tim Lelito and Senio Kelemete, and tight end Josh Hill. It’s possible all three of them could be retained -- especially Lelito, who figures to be one of the team’s starting guards this year.

The minimum RFA tender is $1.67 million, which would come with no draft-pick compensation. Or the Saints could offer $2.55 million to require other teams to give up a second-round pick if they sign the player and the Saints don’t match.

New Orleans Saints will let RB Khiry Robinson hit free agent market - New Orleans Saints Blog- ESPN

W.T. Sherman is my favorite General. After all he did order Atlanta to be burned to the ground.

WhoDat!656

I liked The Tusk, but I don't think the Saints regretted letting him go; the same could be said of Sproles.

I personally believe the Saints will keep, Ingram, Spiller and Hightower; Robinson also if they can reach a cap-friendly deal.

SmashMouth

Run.... Khiry... RUN!

hagan714

Robinson a one-year deal worth at least $1.67 million?

He can be replaced in a heart beat. I never really under stood all the love for the guy. After year one all the hype was gone for me. I like the heart the kid has but that only gets you so far in the NFL.

Ingram is another I like but this annual whirl pool vacation has me wanting the saints to seriously look to replace him. 2017 he is contract makes him cap causality bait. Start looking for other RB with the idea of reducing Ingrams load so he actual can play 18 games.

Resign Hightower if we can. He looks to be a solid stop gap measure while looking for younger, healthier and more talented blood.

So bye bye Robinson. Good luck and thanks for the effort

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

Danno

Dime a dozen

halloween 65

I would keep Robinson over Cadet. I also think if he got more carries he could produce better.

K Major

He could be back in NO ... just not at the 1.6M price tag. That's a lot of dough for a guy coming off a serious injury.

Beastmode

That's the only think I think of when I hear RB's.

saintfan

Here or elsewhere I'll pull for the guy. He plays with heart.

st thomas

please dim them headlights .