Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson revealed some high expectations he’s set for himself when the 2021 campaign kicks off later this autumn.
Joining NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Thursday, Robinson said he expects a more prominent role as opposed to being a fourth or fifth option on the receiver depth chart. Now with veteran receiver Sammy Watkins heading to Baltimore via free agency, Robinson sees this as a chance to move up the ladder and become more involved in the offense.
“Every other season, it’s (been) four, five touchdowns, 500 yards,” Robinson said of his previous production. “I just think it picks up a little bit more right now. I’m looking for the opportunity — not for them to give me the opportunity — but go in there and take the opportunity. Go in there and show that I am a guy who can put up 1,000 yards a year and 10 touchdowns. I’m ready to make that happen. They said they’ve got something in store for me. I’m ready to show them.”
Robinson began the 2021 off-season as an unrestricted free agent with the Detroit Lions knocking on the door, hoping to gain the six-year receiver’s services. There, he would have been guaranteed a starting role since starters Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones both left via free agency. Instead, Robinson opted to re-sign another one-year contract to remain in Kansas City with Tyreek Hill and the gang.
“I chose the Chiefs because of my family, the culture, just talking with everybody, seeing what would best fit me,” he noted. “I had another team, it was Detroit, that was also looking at me. And the Chiefs just wanted me more at the time.”
“It was a big decision,” he continued. “Just seeing what I could do – seeing what they saw in me for my role next year, and without Sammy being there, they said it’ll pick up a lot more. And they got a lot of things in store for me,” he explained. “I’m ready to go back to work and see what they got going for me.”
In 2020, Robinson had his best season yet, catching a career-high 45 passes for 466 yards and three TDs. In five seasons with Kansas City, Robinson has totaled 120 receptions for 1,415 yards and 11 TDs.
So basically, Robinson plans to match his career numbers in a single season which not only is a massive leap but would also be an amazing accomplishment if achieved.
Right now, Robinson continues to be projected as a depth guy and special teams player. However, if Kansas City forgoes selecting another wide receiver and addresses other positional needs through this upcoming draft, then there could be an opportunity to take Watkins’ place on the depth chart as a third receiving option.
And that just might be what Robinson is counting on.
