Jaguars brass doesn't rule out bringing back Cam Robinson for 2024 season

The Jacksonville Jaguars currently have $24 million in cap space but it won't probably be enough to navigate the offseason. Given that they could create a considerable amount of space if they release left tackle Cam Robinson, he's seen as a potential cap casualty heading into free agency. However, general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson expect Robinson to be back in 2024.

Baalke told the media at the NFL Scouting Combine that Robinson is under contract and expects him to return next season. Later in the press conference, the general manager said he feels good about where the team stands in terms of cap space.

"I think we're right in the middle of the upper tier in the league in terms of cap space available, and we got moves that we can do to create more cap space," Baalke said. "So we like the position we're in we like the flexibility that we have. Again, we're not going to disclose any of our thoughts right here. But we feel good about where we're at."

Pederson echoed Baalke's comments regarding Robinson, noting that he brings a nasty streak and physicality to the offensive trenches.

"He's under contract and I think Cam brings an edge. Cam brings some physicality to the offensive line. He's like Trevor. He understands that his role is to help this team win and can't put the team, can't put the players, can't put us in situations that you did last year, Pederson said at the combine, via 1010 XL.

Pederson continued, "Now the injury is out of anybody's control. I'm talking about the suspension, and it's about being pro. Hey, listen, these are conversations that Cam, we know he's had, we've had. I definitely like having him on the team. He's fun to be around, brings a lot of energy out there."

Robinson, a second-round pick by the Jags in 2017, signed a three-year extension worth $54 million in 2022. However, he served a four-game suspension last year for violations to the league's PED policy last year and the guarantees on the deal became void. He's set to have a cap hit of $21.1 million in 2024 but moving on from him would create $17.2 million in space with $3.8 million in dead money. Here's Pederson's exchange with the media after his press conference at the combine.

Keeping Cam Robinson comes with a set of challenges for the Jaguars

As Doug Pederson noted, the offensive line played better when he was in the lineup. Having established himself as a leader up front, releasing him (or trading him) would create a void. That said, keeping him for another season could prove to be challenging.

For starters, the space the Jacksonville Jaguars would get if they released him could help them re-sign wide receiver Calvin Ridley and outside linebacker Josh Allen. Also, the Jags could have a logjam at offensive tackle if they keep Robinson in 2024. With Anton Harrison firmly entrenched at right tackle and Walker Little waiting for his chance to start, there may no longer be room for Robinson.

Last but not least, the Jags don't have to outright release the veteran left tackle. They could place him on the trade market and ask for a mid-round pick based on the demand at the position. This is just a conjuncture but maybe that's why the top brass spoke highly of Robinson. Perhaps they want to draw his price up and get teams to make a better bid for him. Regardless of the reason, the Jags may be better off moving on from Robinson.

There's no denying Cam Robinson is a good player. He definitely makes the Jaguars a better team but there's also value in parting ways with him this offseason.

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