Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Cam Robinson get multi-year deal in 2021?

The Jacksonville Jaguars applied the franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson and have until July 15 to strike a multi-year contract. If they can’t agree to a deal, they won’t be able to negotiate until next offseason. In the eyes of Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, this is one of the biggest decisions Jacksonville will have to make soon.

Knox points out that the 2017 second-round pick has been serviceable but far from great. On the other hand, he believes that finding an upgrade at left tackle won’t be easy. He mentions that Robinson’s projected market value is currently $11.3 million but thinks he could earn a massive paycheck if he has a strong season in 2021.

Knox notes that Trent Williams reset the left tackle market after signing a six-year, $138.06 million deal this offseason. He then acknowledges that Robinson isn’t as talented as Williams but thinks that “a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign could realistically double Robinson’s asking price by 2022”.

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to wait to give Cam Robinson a new deal.

It’s true that Robinson could perform at a high level in 2021 but it’s equally possible that he doesn’t improve. He’s been inconsistent throughout his four-year career and has allowed 40 pressures or more in three seasons. Also, he’s never earned a Pro Football Focus grade higher than 63.4

If Robinson does play at a high level this upcoming season, the Jaguars’ brass won’t mind handing him a contract that averages $20 million per year. On the other hand, they have options. They drafted offensive tackle Walker little in the second round of this year’s draft. Even though the former Cardinal hasn’t played in almost two years, he showed up to Jaguars camp in great shape. Also, offensive line coach George Warhop has raved about the Stanford product level of preparation and flexibility.

If Robinson struggles in 2021, the coaching staff shouldn’t hesitate to pull him out of the game and see what they have in Little. Also, the Jaguars are in the early stages of a rebuild. Even though they will surely win more games than they did in 2020, they won’t likely be a playoff team. Depending on how many games they win in 2021, they will get a favorable position in next year’s draft. They could then pursue another left tackle in case Robinson hits the open market.

Waiting to pay a player can be counterproductive for a team. The Jacksonville Jaguars could be forced to pay retail for Robinson’s services if he has a breakout season. Nevertheless, that’s a calculated risk that might end up working in their favor. The left tackle hasn’t played up to expectations in the last four campaigns, and that may not change in 2021.