The Jacksonville Jaguars have known for a while that left tackle Cam Robinson is set to serve a suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. What the Jags didn't know was know how lengthy the suspension was going to be but Adam Schefter of ESPN just reported that it will be for four games.
A second-round pick in 2017, Robinson has made 75 starts for the Jaguars. After his rookie deal expired, the Alabama product got the franchise tag in 2021 and signed a three-year deal worth $54 million with $33 million guaranteed last offseason. However, the suspension will wipe whatever guarantees remain in 2023 and 2024.
During Robinson's absence, 2021 second-round pick Walker Little will line up at left tackle and if he fares well, there's a strong chance he won't give up the job. You could argue that the Jags could move Little to the right side once Robinson returns from the suspension but that's why they drafted Anton Harrison 27th overall.
Harrison is slated to start at right tackle even though he mostly played on the left side at Oklahoma. That's probably a sign the team's brass believes Little will succeed. Also, trading Robinson before this year's deadline would free up $8.56 million in cap space with $9.4 million in dead cap. They could also use the post-June 1 designation and split the hit this year and 2024.
Either way, the demand for left tackle exceeds the supply and there are several clubs that could use help at the position after the draft. Given that Robinson is set to make $16.25 million next year and the suspension voided his guarantees, teams might be inclined to give the Jaguars a call to inquire about his availability, including the next three.
No. 3 trade destination for Jaguars LT Cam Robinson: NY Jets
Make no mistake, Cam Robinson can player. Otherwise, the Jags wouldn't have given him a top-market deal and it's fair to assume that he would still be part of their long-term plans if he hadn't violated the league's PED policy. The Louisiana can provide stability at left tackle and one team that currently doesn't have much is the New York Jets.
After acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the offseason, the Jets are vying for a playoff spot. However, they have questions at offensive tackle with Duane Brown having missed five games due to a rotator cuff injury last year and former first-round pick Mekhi Becton missing the 2022 season after fracturing his kneecap.
Brown is still going strong at 37 and proved how tough he is in 2022, suiting up for 12 games despite the fact that he whole year with a rotator cuff tear. On the other hand, New York might want to err on the side of caution and add depth in case either Brown or Beckton, who's struggled to stay healthy, misses time next season.
The only issue about potentially trading for Robinson is that Brown has hardly ever lined up on the right side. Similarly, Robinson has mostly played left tackle for the Jaguars, so if Beckton goes down with an injury, either one would have to make the switch.
The upside of acquiring Robinson could become Brown's heir apparent and bring stability at left tackle for the Jets for years to come.
No. 2 trade destination for Jaguars LT Cam Robinson: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the first year without Tom Brady behind center for the first time since 2019, and expectations aren't particularly high heading into the 2023 season. Maybe it's because there's a sea of difference between Brady and former first-round pick Baker Mayfield, who's slated to compete with Kyle Trask in training camp but will most likely start in the opener.
Another reason for the lack of hype surrounding the Bucs is that they're somewhat devoid of star power. Sure, Mike Evans, who deserves an extension, and Chris Godwin remain in place. Also, former First-Team All-Pro linebacker Lavonta Davis is still playing at an absurd level after 11 seasons in the NFL. However, Tampa Bay either has roster holes or faces questions at a handful of position groups, including the offensive line.
After releasing Donovan Smith earlier this year, the Buccaneers are switching Tristan Wirfs at left tackle and expect 2022 second-round pick Luke Goedeke to line up at right tackle. While the move could potentially work out, it could also backfire, which is why it would make sense for the Buccaneers to trade for Robinson, especially if they don't want to miss the playoffs.
With Robinson in the fold, the Bucs would have insurance in case either Wirfs gets hurt or Goedeke underperforms. This is a realistic scenario when you consider that Goedeke started at right tackle in Central Michigan but might not have the ideal arm length to thrive in the pros. Either way, general manager Jason Licht should have the Jags on speed dial.
No. 1 trade destination for Jaguars LT Cam Robinson: New England Patriots
The last team that could potentially trade for the Cam Robinson before this year's trade deadline are the New England Patriots. Following the departure of Tom Brady, the Pats have spared no expenses to acquire as much talent as possible. While results have been mixed, they showed they're still willing to open up their checkbook when they signed wide receiver DeVante Parker to a $33 million deal earlier this week.
Third-year quarterback Mac Jones is expected to bounce back after an underwhelming sophomore campaign and if New England really wants to put him in a position to succeed, they should then bolster the offensive line. Veteran Trent Brown will tentatively start at left tackle and Riley Reiff is expected to work his magic at right tackle. However, neither option inspire confidence. Brown has been injury prone throughout his career while Reiff has never been particularly great and is currently 34.
If 2018 first-round pick Isaiah Wynn were still available he would then be an option but a) he signed with the Miami Dolphins following the draft and b) there's a reason the Patriots moved on from him to begin with. Without any other appealing alternatives, pursuing Robinson would be a solid course of action for New England.
After all, Robinson is 27 and barely entering the prime of his career. He would be a huge upgrade at left tackle who would ensure Jones' blindside is protected. Sure, the Jags would surely love to keep him but with Little in the mix, it makes sense for them to gain future assets (possibly a third or even a second-round pick) by trading Robinson and keep restocking a roster that's already loaded with lots of talent.