Jacksonville Jaguars: Key Players Heading Into Contract Seasons
By Adam McCarty
. Wide Receiver. Drafted 2014 Round 2. Allen Robinson. 15. player. 52
Allen Robinson does not have near the same concern as Blake Bortles to have an enormous year statistically as he has become a well established receiver through two seasons. In 2016 his numbers fell off a bit from his breakout pro bowl year in 2015, but he still led the team in receiving yards (883 yards) and touchdowns (six). Robinson’s success relies on the play of Blake Bortles this season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars front office needs to make this one of the top two priorities in terms of re-signing. Luckily the Jaguars will likely walk out of this upcoming season with enough cap space to fulfill his desired contract. If the Jags allow Robinson to test free agency he will be one of the most highly sought after players. The chance of losing the best offensive weapon the Jaguars have had at receiver for years would be quite the blow.
One thing to keep in mind is Allen Robinson let it be known last season he had not been this frustrated playing football before. It also appeared the fans rattled his cage with their booing.
"“Fans don’t see this part of it,” Robinson says. “They booed us yesterday. They don’t understand a damn thing.”"
With another losing season it could entice Robinson to take his talents to a more established winner. Two things that matter to players are winning and getting paid, he can find both of these elsewhere if the Jaguars fail to improve in 2017.
Marqise Lee was one of the few on offense to improve his stock on the team. In 2016 he finished second in receiving yards (851 yards) while also pulling in three touchdowns and throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Blake Bortles. Lee was a huge part of the offense last year and proved he was not a bust or someone to overlook. He typically finds himself in the slot on passing plays.
Probably the biggest concern when Lee’s contract ends is the need for him. 2016 was his first fully healthy season in his three-year career. Luckily for him he has one more season to prove his worth before the Jaguars possibly cut ties and replace him with Rashad Greene, a wide receiver heading into his third season. Lee proved he deserves the chance to stay in the slot for years to come and also compete outside, but with a young team and plenty of contracts to offer, his might be with another team in 2018.