Bleeding Green Nation
Philadelphia is adding more depth at running back and returner.
The Philadelphia Eagles are claiming running back/return specialist Keilan Robinson off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a report from NFL insider Jeremy Fowler.
The Jags recently waived Robinson, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (No. 167 overall, five spots ahead of where the Eagles selected Trevor Keegan), to open up a roster spot to sign veteran free agent Dennis Gardeck.
By virtue of the Eagles winning Super Bowl LIX, the Birds are dead last in the waiver wire order (which mirrors the 2025 NFL Draft order). This means no other teams put a claim in on Robinson.
Now in Philly, Robinson is obviously a long shot to make the 53-man roster. But the Eagles will get a look at him in training camp. Perhaps the 25-year-old can do enough to earn a spot on the practice squad.
As a rookie, Robinson played just five offensive snaps and 51 special teams snaps. He returned two kickoffs for 34 yards. He began the 2024 season on injured reserve before being activated from IR in mid-November.
Robinson played eight games for Alabama in 2019 before opting out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then transferred and played three years for Texas from 2021-2023. All told, he logged 121 rushing attempts for 796 yards (6.6 average) and three touchdowns. His 35 receptions resulted in 332 yards (9.5 average) and three scores. Robinson returned just one punt in college but his 39 kick returns went for a 23.6 average and one touchdown.
Scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:
Robinson could be in a tough spot, as he will likely need to prove to teams that he can help in multiple areas in order to make a roster. He’s a bendy runner with easy agility when the ball is in his hands. He might be considered too small to handle a backup role, and teams might question whether he has the physical traits for versatility on special teams. However, he’s good at what he does, which is eluding tacklers in space and creating opportunities as a pass catcher and kick returner. He’s talented, but might have a difficult task convincing teams that he can handle a variety of roles.
Robinson is small but speedy (not unlike the Eagles’ most recent signing). It’s perhaps worth noting that free agent addition Avery Williams, who projects as Philly’s top returner, hasn’t been healthy enough to participate in the team’s OTA practices to this point.
Watch his highlights video:
The Eagles’ offseason roster was at capacity prior to the Robinson addition, so, they’re going to have to make a move to open a spot for him.
