Didn't turn out well, or turn out to be necessary in hindsight, but we should evaluate the deal based on what was known, and what was likely, at the time of the trade, as well as the cost of the trade and the value that resulted. What was known/ likely at the time was that the Jets had no clear lead back, that Robinson was young and had a solid year in JAX before getting replaced by a higher talent player, and what was thought was that the Jets were in a position to be playoff contenders if they could continue a solid run game. Dealing for what appeared to be a solid potential lead back also had a morale effect in that it signalled to the team that the FO was ready to invest and win. The cost was a 6th round pick, which, if Robinson panned out would have been a 5th round pick. The cost was low. The return on the trade was bad. We know that now. But losing a 6th for a chance to have a lead back isn't a bad risk/reward proposition. Therefore, it wasn't a bad trade, it was a good trade that didn't turn out well. Those are different things.
Listen, I supported the trade at the time. It demonstrated to the team they were committed to winning despite losing pieces. I’m not consumed by losing a 6th round pick. I’m concerned they traded for a guy they had inactive because per Saleh (paraphrasing) didn’t have a command for the offense and in other press conference, said he doesn’t have vertical burst speed. Just seems ridiculous the FO and CS not on the same page.
