Donald Penn Remains Option, as Redskins Sign OT Corey Robinson

The Washington Redskins have signed offensive tackle Corey Robinson to a one-year deal. It’s not the signing that was anticipated by many, as the team worked out Robinson along with veteran Donald Penn.

Penn, a three-time Pro Bowler, has 174 starts throughout his 12-year career. After Friday’s workout, the Redskins also offered him a contract, however, a deal was not made.

Washington turned to Robinson as an alternative, but Penn remains an option to sign for the Redskins, according to ESPN’s John Keim.

The Redskins are in dire need of depth at offensive tackle, particularly left tackle. Cornerstone Trent Williams did not report to training camp this week, holding out for a new deal while he recovers from a medical scare in which he had a growth removed from his head this off-season.

Swing tackle Geron Christian, who the team drafted in 2018, is being held out of practice by the team as he continues to recover from a torn MCL he suffered last season.

Washington has used the embattled Ereck Flowers at left tackle with the first unit with Williams and Christian being absent from practices.

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Robinson was an original seventh-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2015. In 2018, he played in one game with the Carolina Panthers and three games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, including one start.

Based off resumes, signing Donald Penn would be the better option, but the optics surrounding the situation may make things difficult.

Person with knowledge of such things says essentially it’s gonna be in Donald Penn’s hands whether or not he signs.

Was told last night money is gonna be a factor. Apparently the workout went well enough that it will come down to the number.— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) July 26, 2019

Given his longevity in the league, Penn may be looking for an opportunity to start more so just continue his career. If and when Williams returns there is no starting opportunity in Washington without injury. Morgan Moses is locked as the franchise right tackle, and Williams is one of the best left tackles in the entire league.

Even if Penn settles for swing tackle, that may not be firm with a healthy Christian. Then there is the issue of how much do you pay a swing tackle? Is what the Redskins are willing to pay in the ballpark of what Penn is willing to take?

For now, the eyes will be if Robinson can improve the left tackle landscape over Flowers, who has struggled through OTAs, mini-camp, and the first two days of training camp much like he has throughout his career with the New York Giants and Jaguars.