Jaguars: 3 players with the most trade value ahead of 2021 deadline

Jaguars player with trade value No. 3 – James Robinson, RB

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence notwithstanding, James Robinson is arguably the Jaguars’ most important player on offense. Who would have thought that the undrafted free agent would quickly establish himself as one of the best young running backs in the NFL? The former Redbird is quickly showing he isn’t a one-hit-wonder has been as good if not more than he was in his rookie campaign.

Robinson has been Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded running back in the last four weeks and currently ranks ninth overall. Also, he’s among the rushing leaders in traditional statistics. Thus, teams in need of help at running back will call the Jaguars to see if the sophomore is available. Regardless of what other teams offer, the Jaguars must hang up the phone, unless they’re offering three first-round draft picks, which nobody in its right mind will. A third-round pick may be more realistic but that’s an offer Jacksonville should definitely not entertain.

The Jags’ offense ranks 10th in rushing yards and sixth in rushing touchdowns, and that’s thanks to Robinson. Trading him would be a blow to the offense. Carlos Hyde is a serviceable starter but the dropoff from Robinson to him is considerable. You could make the case the Jaguars have Travis Etienne but he’s out for the year and they won’t have him back until 2022. Also, he suffered a Lisfranc injury and is an unproven commodity at this stage of his NFL career.

Robinson is making a strong case to earn the first Pro Bowl selection of his career and the Jaguars are a better team because of him.