NFL Free Agency: Steelers among the five teams interested in CB Patrick Robinson

After losing Brice McCain earlier Wednesday to the Dolphins, it was only a matter of time before the Steelers attempted to sway another free agent.  The Steelers join the Vikings, Panthers, Dolphins and Saints as the five teams interested in bidding on the services of CB Patrick Robinson, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.

Robinson started only six games last season as a member of the New Orleans Saints after missing all but two games of the 2013 season as the result of a serious knee injury.  He did manage to defend 11 passes and secure two interceptions, but his career arch has certainly been disappointing for the former first round draft pick.

Luckily, the Florida State product is still only 27-years old and has demonstrated good ability in the past, playing well in both 2011 and 2012, finishing with seven interceptions and 110 total tackles, not bad totals for a five-foot-eleven inch corner who weighs a shade under 200 pounds.

Robinson has also demonstrated great athletic ability for a cornerback, with a 4.4 40-yard dash, 40 inch vertical and even managed to throw up 15 reps on the bench press at the 2010 combine.

Fortunately for the Steelers, Robinson will likely come very cheap, given his lackluster production last season.  More than anything though, Pittsburgh needs to secure depth at the cornerback position.  McCain was signed last offseason to a bargain-basement price, earned a starting job and then earned himself a decent payout with $3 million in guaranteed money.  Even if Robinson isn't brought in to start, the glaring lack of depth in the Steelers secondary means he has a realistic possibility of securing a starting job, meaning the possibility exists of him outplaying whatever contract he may sign.

The Steelers need a cornerback, and Robinson could be an attractive, cheap option to help the team, but it looks as if the Steelers will have some competition of they hope to sign him.