The Eagles have claimed former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Keilan Robinson off waivers, according to an ESPN report.
Robinson, who spent one season with Jacksonville after getting drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, could compete with veteran running back AJ Dillon for a roster spot, or he could persuade the Eagles to keep four running backs on the 53-man roster this season. He might make an impact as a return specialist, too, which could be another way for him to make the team
In six games last season, he returned two kickoffs for 34 yards and played 51 snaps on special teams. The Jaguars only gave him five offensive snaps, so it’s unclear what his potential at running back is. He might receive less playing time for Philadelphia’s offense that has so many weapons already.
But there’s an opportunity for him to become the Eagles’ new kick returner, replacing running back Kenneth Gainwell, who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers during free agency, in that role. Gainwell amassed 456 yards on 18 returns last season, providing consistency for the Eagles’ special teams unit.
It’s not a good sign that Jacksonville gave up on Robinson after one year, but that doesn’t mean the former Texas running back can’t have success with Philadelphia. The Jaguars’ new coaching staff didn’t draft him last year, so perhaps he wasn’t a good fit for their scheme. Maybe a change of scenery could unlock his ability as a running back and returner.
Robinson missed the first 11 games of his rookie season with a toe injury, so he didn’t get a big opportunity to impress.
But he only rushed for 796 yards and eight touchdowns during his four-year college career split between Texas and Alabama, making him a surprise draft pick last spring.
The 25-year-old also finished with 919 return yards and one touchdown, averaging 23.6 yards per attempt. Overall, Robinson’s speed (4.42 at the NFL Combine) is his biggest appeal, but that might not be enough for him to stick in the NFL.
He needs to have a strong summer to be more than a practice squad candidate, or he needs one of the Eagles’ other backup running backs to struggle badly. His chances of beating out Dillon, who is coming off a neck injury, for a roster spot is not great, but it’s not impossible, either.
