Wan’Dale Robinson just made NFL history - and he did it in a big way for a player often labeled as “too small” to be a game-changer.
At 5-foot-8, Robinson became the shortest player in league history to post a 1,000-yard receiving season. That’s not just a stat - it’s a statement. And it could reshape how teams evaluate slot receivers heading into free agency.
Robinson’s breakout year with the Giants wasn’t just about volume - it was about evolution. After two seasons of being used primarily near the line of scrimmage, Robinson finally broke loose in 2025, showing he’s more than just a checkdown option.
He averaged 2.1 yards per route run - a major jump from his 2023 (1.5) and 2024 (1.3) marks, which had both been below league average. That spike wasn’t accidental.
It was the result of a clear shift in how he was deployed.
Between 2023 and 2024, 76% of Robinson’s targets came within five yards of the line of scrimmage. In 2025, that number dropped to 63%, opening the door for more vertical opportunities.
And he made the most of them. Robinson hauled in four passes that traveled 25 or more yards in the air this past season - a sharp contrast to the lone deep catch he had over his first three years combined.
This wasn’t just a volume spike - it was a transformation. Robinson proved he could win downfield, not just in the quick game. That versatility could - and should - change how he’s valued on the open market.
Still, it’s fair to wonder how teams will view him in free agency. At 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, some front offices may still see Robinson as a gadget guy - a player best suited for screens, slants, and jet sweeps.
That perception could limit his market compared to other wideouts with similar production but more traditional size. But that would be missing the bigger picture.
Robinson’s 2025 season was the culmination of the potential he flashed as a top-tier high school recruit and the reason the Giants invested in him in the first place. He’s not just a slot guy - he’s a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field, create separation, and rack up yards after the catch.
Now comes the tricky part: keeping him in New York.
With Malik Nabers expected back from injury in 2026 and Jaxson Dart entering a critical developmental phase, the Giants have a decision to make. Robinson was one of Dart’s most reliable targets this season, and continuity matters for a young quarterback. Letting Robinson walk would leave a noticeable void in the offense - and in the locker room.
The financials will be interesting to watch. One comp that’s been floated is Curtis Samuel, another undersized second-rounder who hit the market after a career-best season.
Back in 2021, Samuel inked a three-year, $34.5 million deal with Washington - an average of $11.5 million per year. Adjusted for the projected 2026 salary cap, that would equate to roughly $19.2 million annually.
That might be a stretch for Robinson, but a deal north of $15 million per year isn’t out of the question - especially when you consider the Giants are still benefiting from Dart’s rookie contract. Investing in weapons now could pay serious dividends down the line.
And if you're wondering what the ceiling is for a slot receiver’s payday, look no further than Khalil Shakir. The Bills wideout signed a four-year, $53 million deal last offseason - the richest contract ever given to a slot receiver. Robinson, coming off a historic season and entering his prime, could very well top that.
The Giants have a chance to lock in a key piece of their offensive puzzle. Robinson’s size might be below average, but his impact - and his value - are anything but.