The Jacksonville Jaguars are planning to bring back Cam Robinson in 2024. Head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, separately, said so at the NFL Scouting Combine. This isn't necessarily a bad thing when you consider that the Jags did a much better job of protecting Trevor Lawrence when Robinson was in the lineup. However, it casts doubt on Walker Little's future with the team.
Little, a second-round pick in 2021, hardly played as a rookie but he flashed when called upon. Near the end of the 2022 season, he filled in for Robinson when he had a meniscus injury and fared well. He then made four starts to begin the 2023 season while Robinson served a suspension for violations to the league's PED policy.
Simply put, Little deserves to chance to prove he's the long-term answer for the Jaguars, and here are three reasons he should.
3. Walker Little will cost less than Cam Robinson in 2024
One of the reasons there has been speculation surrounding Cam Robinson the past few months is that he's set to have a cap hit of $22.1 million in 2024. However, the Jags could free up $17.2 million with $3.8 million if they release him.
For the sake of argument, let's say that the Jaguars don't mind keeping Robinson in 2024 at his current salary. As good as he's been, he's never been a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Sure, his feisty attitude gives the offensive line an edge, but are the Jaguars really willing to pay an above-average left tackle top-market money? They already did the past two years, but if they want to free up cap space, they should then move on from Robinson and go with Little
Little is set to make $2.4 million in 2024, significantly less than Robinson. The Jags could easily roll with Little, release Robinson, and use the savings to address other positions. How's that not a win-win situation?