How each NFL deadline trade affects playoff race

The Rashard Robinson deal

Trade parameters: The San Francisco 49ers trade cornerback Rashard Robinson to the New York Jets for a 2018 5th round pick.

Don’t let this trade fly too far under the radar. The player nor the pick signal anything major and even the New York Jets’ own fan base might sit and yawn at this deal, but the move was fairly savvy on the part of the Jets’ brass and signals that they’re up for bolstering their own secondary for the stretch run.

Rashard Robinson was the 49ers fourth round pick from the 2016 NFL Draft, so general manager John Lynch had no attachment to him. However, a decent corner on such a cheap deal is a nice asset to have for any team and the Jets’ ability to get him for an upcoming fifth not only adds some nice depth to the roster but it’s also a player with starting experience. That’s not even including the potential that most believed Robinson possessed—if he could stay clean at the pro level.

If the Jets can harness Robinson’s natural ability, they’ll have another quality corner to partner with Buster Skrine in the defensive backfield. He’s prone to mistakes, but a disciplined coaching/training staff will help him develop a bit more physical game needed in Todd Bowles’ secondary.

Overall, the Jets took a nice developmental risk that could prove tougher on quarterbacks in the AFC East as they remain in the wild card hunt heading into the second half. It’s a smaller trade in comparison to others made, but it’s a smart one on the Jets’ part and such deals can make the difference over the course of a long season between sitting or suiting up in January.