With free agency around the corner, the Jacksonville Jaguars have applied the franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson. This gives us an insight into the positions the organization may prioritize in free agency.
The Jags announced they have placed the franchise tag on Robinson. This ensures he will play in Jacksonville for at least one more year and had he not been tagged, he would have become a free agent in a few days. On the other hand, a long-term deal is still a possibility. Head coach Urban Meyer said in a sit-down with the local press that the team hopes the left tackle plays for the Jaguars for a while.
If the Jaguars hadn’t used the tag, they would’ve had choices at the position in free agency. Trent Williams will arguably the best left tackle in the open market and Orlando Brown Jr. is on the trade block. Both players are better than Robinson but it looks like Jaguars’ new coaching staff felt comfortable with what they have seen Robinson do.
Meyer said in the conference that offensive line coach George Warhop feels good about his future and development. The Alabama product struggled in 2020, so Warhop think he has room to improve. Robinson played all 16 games last season and had a serviceable 61.7 Pro Football Focus grade while allowing five sacks and 40 total pressures.
It will be interesting to see if Robinson ends up signing a long-term contract but it will be equally fascinating to see what the Jaguars will do in free agency after having already taken care of the left tackle position.
The Jacksonville Jaguars can now turn their attention to other positions.
The franchise tag for an offensive tackle this year will be around $14.5 million, but even after securing Robinson, the Jaguars will still have plenty of cap room. They were expected to have $82 million but after deducting the cost the tag, they will have $67.5 million at their disposal. Without having to worry about the left tackle position, Jacksonville can now address other position groups in free agency.
The Jaguars need to bolster their defensive line, so they could add a pass rusher or a defensive tackle, Leonard Williams will be off the market but Dalvin Tomlinson will most likely be available. They also need to find a starting cornerback to play opposite of C.J. Henderson and someone to handle slot duties. Also, a safety would be a welcomed addition to their secondary.
On the other side of the ball, they could add another wide receiver in free agency. Allen Robinson and Chris Godwin will be franchised tag too, but even with them off the market, there will be a few enticing options such as Kenny Golladay and Curtis Samuel. They could also bolster their tight end room and sign either Hunter Henry or Jonnu Smith. Regardless of the position groups they decide to upgrade in free agency, left tackle won’t be a priority.
The Jacksonville Jaguars could still draft an offensive tackle in 2021.
The Jaguars will have four picks in the first two rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. Now that Cam Robinson is locked up for another year, left tackle won’t be a priority but that doesn’t mean Jacksonville won’t take an offensive tackle early in the selection meeting.
While the first overall pick is most likely earmarked for Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the Jags will still have the 25th, 33rd, and 45th selections. They could use two of those on some of the roster holes they have and use another on a left tackle.
This is going to be a deep offensive tackle class, so there will be a few prospects with a first-round grade that will slide to the second. Oregon’s Pennei Sewell is a lock to be drafted in the top 10, possibly top 5, and Rashawn Slater may be the second best left tackle in the draft but after those two, it may come down to a matter of preference.
If a left tackle prospect such as Samuel Cosmi or Alex Leatherwood is available in the second round, should the Jaguars’ brass pass up the chance to take them? They already have Robinson for at least another year but why not take one with upside and groom him for the future? They would have solid depth in case Robinson missed time and a plan for the future in case he leaves.
By placing the franchise tag on Robinson, the Jaguars have checked one item off their offseason list. There will be time to evaluate how good the move was but they can now turn their atention to upgrading the rest of the roster.