The Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t waiting for free agency to start and have made a few moves. A few days ago, they placed the franchise tag on left tackle
and more recently, they have re-signed cornerback
and offensive lineman
.
None of the moves may generate headlines outside Jacksonville, it seems like the trio are part of the new regime’s vision. Keep in mind that Herndon and Shatley didn’t sign multi-year deals but rather one-year contracts and in Robinson’s case, the franchise tag.
It’s possible that the Jaguars’ brass wants to see how they fare in 2021 before making a long-term commitment but the fact they locked them up before free agency shows that this Jacksonville team thinks they could be part of their long-term plans.
Moreover, the Jaguars will still have plenty of cap space to make a few splash signings in free agency. After slapping Robinson with the franchise tag, they had around $67.5 million in cap space and even after re-signing Shatley and Herndon, they will still have a vast amount of cap room. In the meantime, here’s a look at the impact the Jaguars’ latest moves may have in 2021.
Tre Herndon adds depth to the Jacksonville Jaguars secondary.
Tre Herndon was a restricted free agent, which means that his contract expired after just three accrued seasons. If other teams had wanted to, they could have negotiated a deal with the cornerback and if they had agreed to terms, the Jags would have had the right to match the offer.
This wasn’t the case with the Vanderbilt product and the Jaguars announced that he has signed a one-year deal to stay in Jacksonville. An undrafted free agent in 2018, he’s played 43 games, with 26 starts, and has logged 144 total tackles (five for a loss), 28 passes defensed, and three interceptions over his three-year career.
Herndon was solid at times last season but also gave up a 68.8 percent completion rate and four touchdowns. He appeared in 91 percent of the team’s total snaps on defense but if C.J. Henderson and Sidney Jones hadn’t missed time with injuries, his playing time might not have been as high.
Heading into 2021, Herndon should compete for a spot in the starting lineup. He could play opposite of Herndon or handle slot duties and that kind of flexibility may’ve played a factor in the Jaguars’ decision to bring him back one more year. Even if he doesn’t seize a starting spot, he would provide depth to a group that lacked it last season.
Shatley offers flexibility to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ interior offensive line.
The Jaguars could trade left or release left guard Andrew Norwell this offseason and if that’s the outcome, Tyler Shatley will be a valuable commodity. Last season, the Clemson product ended up starting ten games in relief of Norwell, center Brandon Linder, and right guard A.J. Cann, playing 62 percent of the team’s total snaps on offense.
The Jaguars haven’t made Shatley’s signing official, but it was reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. An undrafted free agent in 2014, he has spent his seven-year career in Jacksonville and last season, he posted a healthy 67.7 Pro Football Focus grade, giving up just two sacks and 15 total pressures.
Whether Norwell stays, Shatley can get off the bench at any time and the offensive line’s performance won’t take a significant dip with him in the lineup. Also, he could take over left or right guard if either Shatley or Cann underperform. Although the Jaguars could still take an offensive line prospect in the middle or late of 2021’s draft, Shatley’s presence decreases the need to do so. Jacksonville also has second-year offensive lineman Ben Bartch on the roster, so it seems like their interior offensive line taking shape for 2021.
Cam Robinson brings continuity to the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line.
Applying the franchise tag on Cam Robinson has been the most meaningful move the Jaguars have made ahead of free agency. If they had chosen to, they could have pursued Trent Williams in the open market or trade for Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Nevertheless, Jacksonville opted for familiarity and continuity.
Robinson has been inconsistent over his four-year career and has never posted a Pro Football Focus grade over 63.4. Last season he hit the 61.7 mark, and gave up five sacks, six hits, and 29 hurries. He’s still 25, so there’s a chance he hasn’t peaked yet and could break out in 2021.
Regardless, the Jaguars’ new regime hasn’t offer Robinson a long-term contract and it may be in everybody’s best interest for him to play under the tag. If the left tackle ends up performing at a high level, he could then ask for a raise and if he doesn’t, the team could move on from him without any long-term repercussions.
By keeping Robinson, the Jaguars don’t have to worry about the left tackle position for at least one more year and can now turn their attention to addressing other needs this offseason. On the other hand, they should keep an open-minded approach and add talent if the opportunity arises.