Jacksonville had a big decision to make at the left tackle position this offseason. With starter Cam Robinson’s rookie contract expiring and because of his inconsistent play (as well as injury issues), many fans hoped for an upgrade at left tackle during free agency.
But no move materialized, and with first overall pick Trevor Lawrence’s blindside in need of protection, the Jaguars decided to bring back Robinson on the franchise tag. He’s due $13.8 million this season, and unless he plays at a very high level, it could be his final season in Jacksonville.
Though he’s set to be the biggest cap hit on the team this season, expectations aren’t exactly high for him. He was tagged mostly out of necessity, and it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise that Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski lists him as the most likely bust for the Jags in 2021.
Certain expectations are placed on those who receive the franchise tag from their respective teams.
Cam Robinson’s situation is quite different. The Jacksonville Jaguars decided to pay their left tackle $13.8 million this season because they didn’t see the value in anyone else on the market.
Basically, the organization looked at the free-agent pool and decided it couldn’t get anyone better than its current serviceable left tackle.
The rationale is terrible. Sure, Robinson is only 25 years old. But he hasn’t been particularly good during his career. The organization could have spent far less on a comparable talent like Russell Okung, Alejandro Villanueva or Charles Leno Jr. The draft was still an option at the time as well.
Instead, the Jaguars decided to overpay a marginal performer. Robinson will be forced to improve his level of play or be continually chastised.
Jacksonville may have overpaid for Robinson, but it’s no guarantee that any of the aging options Sobleski listed would have been better. Still, it’s hard to imagine that even a solid season from Robinson would justify the tag amount he’ll be playing under.
The Jaguars need him to play at a high level to aid in the development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but the tackle spots remain the weakest points on an overall above-average offensive line.