San Francisco

Robinson's Rise and Fall With 49ers Was Swift

Young cornerback went into this season as team's No. 1, yet he was traded after eight penalty- and mistake-marred games

Back in August, the 49ers believed they had a gem in young cornerback Rashard Robinson. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told reporters he loved “the fight” in Robinson and the skills he showed.

“He’s going to be a very good corner,” said Saleh.

But after just eight games into this season, the 49ers gave up completely on Robinson, trading him to the New York Jets for a fifth-round draft pick.

Now, at 0-8, the Niners go into Sunday’s game against the visiting Arizona Cardinals with rookie Ahkello Witherspoon in Robinson’s old starting spot.

Witherspoon played so well in his starting debut last week against the Eagles that San Francisco decided to cut ties with Robinson.

How did things turn around so quickly? According to Nick Wagoner, who covers the 49ers for ESPN.com, it was the combination of Witherspoon’s rise and Robinson’s failures this season that added up to his exit.

Last season, Robinson looked like the 49ers’ top cornerback of the future, working his way into six starts. During the offseason, coaches and teammates pointed to him as the team’s best corner.

But this year, he was beaten often, had trouble battling stronger wide receivers and often resorted to grabbing, according to Wagoner. Robinson was penalized 10 times, the second-highest total in the NFL.

Meanwhile, Witherspoon gave up one big play against the Eagles but allowed just three completions on eight passes his way, intercepted a pass and showed a competitiveness and skillset that put him above Robinson in the minds of the coaching staff.

“I think he showed some good things to get excited about and I hope he continues to get better,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.

The 49ers will start Witherspoon and Dontae Johnson at cornerback this Sunday vs. Arizona, with K’Waun Williams as the nickel corner.

Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, who played with the 49ers in 2016, told the media in New York this week that Robinson – just 22 years old – is worth the investment, even if he faltered in San Francisco. Kerley said Robinson “fits any defense” and has an inner drive that is outstanding.

“We’ll definitely get somebody in the locker room who is a wildfire,” said Kerley. “When I say wildfire, he brings a lot of energy.”

Sunday’s kickoff at Levi’s Stadium against the Cardinals is set for 1:05 p.m.

Contact Us