Category: Allen Robinson

Bleacher Report names Jags a dark-horse candidate to land familiar face in free agency

Could Allen Robinson return to Jacksonville after four seasons with Chicago?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of obvious needs after a 3-14 season, but none of those positions seem quite as pressing as the receiver spot. The team added Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency last offseason, but that addition wasn’t enough to overcome a season-ending injury to DJ Chark Jr. in Week 4.

Receiver play held back the development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence quite a bit, and Jacksonville will almost certainly look to add some talent at that spot this offseason. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox thinks the team could be a dark horse to land a player in free agency that Jags fans are very familiar with: receiver Allen Robinson, who played for the team from 2014-17 before heading to Chicago in free agency.

Robinson can still be a No. 1 receiver for the right team. The Jacksonville Jaguars wouldn’t appear to be that team at a glance. Robinson left Jacksonville in 2018 free agency, and after a disastrous 2021 season, the Jaguars aren’t likely to be a huge free-agent draw.

However, a return to Jacksonville could make sense for Robinson. The Jaguars don’t have a true No. 1 receiver on their roster, but they do have a talented young signal-caller in rookie No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence.

Marvin Jones Jr. was Lawrence’s top target in 2021, finishing with 832 yards and four touchdowns. Laviska Shenault Jr. (619 yards) was the only other Jaguar to top 500 receiving yards. Robinson could be the sort of go-to target that Lawrence currently lacks.

Knox does think that whether Robinson considers Jacksonville could hinge on the coaching hire the team makes after a disastrous one-year tenure for Urban Meyer that served as an embarrassment for the franchise.

A lot will hinge on whom the Jaguars hire as their next head coach and whether they can erase the stink of the Urban Meyer era. Jacksonville was a mess under Meyer’s guidance this season—things were bad enough that fans dressed as clowns en masse for the season finale.

Robinson has never benefited from elite quarterback play, but he did have a Pro Bowl campaign (1,400 yards, 14 TD) with the Jaguars in 2015. If Robinson is convinced Lawrence can develop into the sort of top-tier quarterback he’s never experienced, he could be tempted to return to familiar grounds.

Robinson would be a major boost for the receiving corps, and though his addition likely wouldn’t stop the team from targeting a pass-catcher in the draft, it would give the team a much more comfortable group for Lawrence to target heading into his second year.

Looking at 12 veteran wide receivers the Eagles could look to pair with DeVonta Smith

Looking at 12 veteran #NFL wide receivers the #Eagles could look to pair with #DeVontaSmith in 2022

The Eagles are heading into the 2022 NFL offseason with some offensive continuity and a need for an upgrade at the outside wide receiver position.

DeVonta Smith established himself as a true No. 1 wide receiver, while Quez Watkins showed that he can be a valuable complementary piece as a sixth-round pick in 2020. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (2019) and Jalen Reagor (2020) have left a lot to be desired and Philadelphia now has the conundrum of needing to add another playmaker to the position.

If Howie Roseman prefers to not spend a first-round pick on the position for a third straight year, we’ve highlighted 12 veteran wide receivers that the Eagles could pair with DeVonta Smith to really take Jalen Hurts to the next level as a passer.

Podcast: Previewing 6 players Jags could sign in free agency

Jags Wire’s James Johnson and Phil Smith discuss how some of the top free agents on the market would help the Jags.

In this week’s episode of “Bleav in the Jaguars,” Jags Wire contributor Phil Smith and myself got involved in the free agency frenzy that has been the talk of the NFL community.

With the new league year set to begin in two weeks, we previewed six players who could help the Jags tremendously if they hit the open market. Those six players were divided into groups of three for each side of the ball.

One player we purposely left off was former Jags receiver Allen Robinson due to there being no shortage of coverage on his potential return. Instead, we discussed the pros and cons of his acquisition as he seems open to returning to Jacksonville.

The full episode can be heard below in the media player, while our archived episodes can be revisited here.

Feel free to subscribe to “Bleav in the Jags” via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

Allen Robinson expresses interest in playing with Trevor Lawrence

The former Jags and current Bears WR said he’s open to playing with Trevor Lawrence or some of the other top rookie QBs entering the NFL.

One benefit to having a franchise quarterback (or at least a prospective one) is the draw that can have toward potential free agents, especially on offense. As Jacksonville is expected to draft Trevor Lawrence, who many have touted a generational prospect, players around the league have started to take notice.

On an episode of the Cris Collinsworth Podcast, Chicago Bears receiver Allen Robinson said he’d have interest in joining Lawrence.

“It’d be dope playing with the next NFL prodigy,” he said.

https://www.facebook.com/ProFootballFocus/posts/10157516043496262

Does this mean Robinson has interest in returning to the team the drafted him? He was a member of the Jaguars from 2014-17 before departing for the Bears in free agency following Jacksonville’s AFC Championship season, which he missed most of with an injury. Robinson is set to become a free agent this offseason, but if the Bears choose to franchise tag him, he would have to be acquired through a trade.

Robinson certainly isn’t the only receiving option in free agency, as there are also players like Curtis Samuel and Kenny Golladay who could be available. But if the Jags wanted to bring him back to town, it sounds like there could be mutual interest.

https://youtu.be/mIU43FeLQWE

Spotrac predicts Jags to spend big in free agency by signing Allen Robinson, Marcus Williams

The Jags should lead the NFL in cap space when free agency starts and have a chance to plug major holes with players like Marcus Williams.

The Jacksonville Jaguars pretty much know who their quarterback of the future will be in Trevor Lawrence, however, it will be a matter of building around him. That not only applies to adding pieces to the offense but the defense as well.

With the Jags going 1-15 last season, it’s expected that they will be big spenders in free agency to kickstart their journey to improve. They will lead the league in cap space with $77.5 million, so they should be able to add some of the best available veterans on the market.

Spotrac recently posted an article that predicts where the most notable names on the market to go and the Jags were able to make three big additions. Those additions were receiver Allen Robinson, safety Marcus Williams, and tailback James Conner.

Of the three, Robinson’s contract was easily the most expensive and was a five-year deal worth $100 million.

Robinson’s potential has been suppressed by the QB & play calling in Chicago over the past few seasons. While a franchise tag is likely coming, a trade and subsequent extension could soon follow. Look for both the 49ers, Jets & Jaguars to be heavily interested here.

BEST GUESS: Jacksonville

While the guarantees weren’t provided, this deal is the same as Amari Cooper’s, which includes $40 million in full guarantees. The Jags may have to top that amount a little, but getting Robinson back in a Jags uniform is achievable if he believes in their outlook.

Robinson may be the most popular potential free-agent name in the eyes of Jags fans, as many feel he should’ve been retained in 2018. His presence undoubtedly has been missed, however, he’d complement D.J. Chark Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. well, both of whom were added after his departure.

Williams’ contract was the next one listed, and the team was able to iron out a five-year $68 million deal to make it happen.

There isn’t a weak spot in Williams’ game right now, and at just 24 years old, he’s just entering his prime in the league. The Saints will have a helluva time to make the numbers work to keep him, but they’re certainly trying.

BEST GUESS: Jacksonville

This deal is along the lines of Kevin Byard’s extension, which was for five years and is worth $70.5 million overall. Unlike Byard, the Jags may have to fully guarantee more than $19.6 million, but again, the money is there if they need it.

Adding Williams would address a huge need for the Jags. They were heavily affected by injuries at safety, but even when they had good health at the position, many of their options looked more like special teamers. Williams would be a significant upgrade over any player on the roster after accumulating a 79.3 grade via Pro Football Focus.

Lastly, Conner’s deal was a two-year deal for $10 million.

He comps best to Kareem Hunt right now, and that type of shared solution seems to make best for Conner’s next chapter. Sticking him with James Robinson seems a nice fit.

BEST GUESS: Jacksonville

As mentioned above, this deal is similar to Kareem Hunt’s and could guarantee around $5 million to $6 million. That said, this is the one player of the three it’s hard to imagine the Jags going for in free agency because they need more of a speed option to pair with James Robinson. The Jags would come out a lot cheaper in the draft finding that and could find a healthier player, too, by waiting until April.

Conner’s addition aside, Spotrac’s roundup would be a win for the Jags and doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibilities. If they could land Williams and Robinson, or two high-priced names in general, they may look to add another  pricey starter from the open market, but it’s just hard to say right now.

Regardless, next month should be an exciting time if the Jags play their cards right, and significant progress could be made as far as the roster goes.

Listen to the latest from Jags Wire’s own James Johnson and Phil Smith on their podcast “Bleav in the Jags.” Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and check out our archived episodes via Bleav Podcasts.

2021 NFL free agency: 4 reasons the Jags could reunite with Allen Robinson

NFL free agency is just under a month away and Jags fans seem to have an eye on Allen Robinson, who is a fit for the team in several ways.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are basically done putting together their coaching staff, and now the group can focus on scouting talent. Of course, they will hope to acquire a majority of that talent by building through the draft, but with the team being so young, the 2021 free agency period will be an important part of the game plan, too.

Urban Meyer undoubtedly wants to start his first NFL season off on a high note and that can’t happen without adding some elite talent through free agency. A name who many fans believe can help Jacksonville make significant strides is that of receiver Allen Robinson, who was a 2015 second-round selection of the organization.

Unfortunately, despite having a productive career with the Jags, he got away from the team in 2018. Now, he’s on the verge of hitting the open market again and has come out to say that everything is on the table. While there is still time for the Chicago Bears to retain him, as time passes, it feels like he’s slipping from their grasp, and if it happens, the Jags are a fit in many ways.

With less than a month to go before free agency officially begins, let’s examine some reasons why the Jags and Robinson could reunite:

2021 NFL free agency: Steve Smith believes Allen Robinson should return to Jags

Steve Smith says he would like to see Allen Robinson back in black and teal as there are notable changes being made in Duval.

Free agency will begin next month for the NFL, and with the Jacksonville Jaguars having the most cap space in the league, they could be the team to watch in terms of making the best additions. One addition in particular that the fan base has been vocal about is signing former Jags receiver Allen Robinson, who may have played his last down with the Chicago Bears. 

While the argument could be made that the Jags are worse off than they were when Robinson left in 2018, the team has a chance to get better real soon. That’s because their 1-15 season in 2020 gave them a direct path to Trevor Lawrence, who most feel is a generational talent at the quarterback position. That said, if the Jags front office can sell his potential to veteran free agents, they could come away with a nice haul. 

Legendary Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens receiver turned analyst, Steve Smith, believes this is exactly why Robinson should return to Jacksonville next month. After watching the young Clemson Tiger blow his pro day process out of the water in person, Smith seemingly believes Lawrence could translate well when it comes to the NFL game.

However, to do that, Smith admitted that the young signal-caller will need a go-to guy on the perimeter — and there aren’t many receivers better equipped to do so than Robinson. 

“Allen Robinson should, and I’d love this story, go back to Jacksonville,” Smith said. “Also, I was down last week in Clemson seeing Trevor Lawrence [at his pro day]. Why not put a dynamic receiver [beside him] and actually give himself a quarterback who can throw the ball.

I love Trevor Lawrence, and I love him going to Jacksonville under Urban Meyer. Hey, send me a jersey. I need one. Send me a Trevor Lawrence jersey.”

Robinson has been vocal in the past about the lack of stability in Jacksonville, and how that was one of a few reasons he left. However, with the Jags signing new coach Urban Meyer last month, things clearly should be stable for a while now, especially with how patient owner Shad Khan is. 

With free agency awaiting, Robinson has been vocal about all options being on the table (even Jacksonville), and with a chance to cash in on a lot of money, it’s understandable why. As Smith said, one thing that could play into Robinson’s decision (aside from stability) is finally finding a solid quarterback to pair himself with.

Since entering the league, Robinson has gone from Blake Bortles, to Mitchell Trubisky, to Nick Foles, then back to Trubisky. Additionally, they haven’t seen eye-to-eye on contract negotiations, and the reason for that could be limited cap space as they are $2.5 million over the cap right now. Sure, they can clear out more space and come with a better offer, but the open market could offer an even better opportunity financially, especially a team like the Jags. 

Ultimately, fans will have to wait and see if the Bears can figure it out. However, if they can’t, Jacksonville shouldn’t be discounted as an option for Robinson — that’s if he believes in the Jags’ outlook heading forward. 

Allen Robinson hasn’t negotiated with the Bears since September

The former Jaguars receiver hasn’t negotiated a new contract with the Bears since September, indicating he may be heading elsewhere.

Chicago Bears receiver Allen Robinson has been in a prolonged standstill in terms of negotiations on a new contract as his deal expires this offseason. According to Tom Pelissaro of the NFL Network, Robinson’s camp hasn’t discussed a deal with the team since September.

“That would certainly seem to bring the [franchise] tag into play,” Pelissero said. “Whether it is the Bears to try to do an extension, whether it is setting up Robinson to play on the tag, or maybe even a tag-and-trade scenario.”

Last week, Robinson told SiriusXM NFL Radio that “everything” was on the table.

“At this point, I’d pretty much be open to everything on the table,” Robinson said. “I’m not 100 percent sure what will happen in the next coming weeks as far as being a free agent and things like that, but as everything stands today, I definitely will be open to everything on the table.”

If the Bears were to tag him when the window opens on Tuesday, they could attempt to trade him. The reason why this might be a thought for them is due to limited cap space, as they are over the limit by a little more than $6 million. According to Over the Cap, the franchise tag amount for a receiver could cost around $16.4 million.

As Jags fans witnessed last season with Yannick Ngakoue, Robinson wouldn’t have to sign the tag immediately. However, if a trade partner stepped up to the plate, he would then have to sign the tag to be moved. In all probability, the team trading for him would have a long-term deal ironed out and Robinson would play on that.

Robinson is coming off his most productive season since he had 1,400 yards in Jacksonville in 2015, totaling 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns in 2020. The 2019 season, where he registered 1,147 yards with the Bears, was his third highest-total.

Jacksonville, who could use another receiver target, could try to bring Robinson (who it originally drafted) back into the fold either through free agency or through a trade. But for now, it’s clear that Robinson’s time in Chicago may be running short.

Poll: Could the Jags get a second chance at acquiring Allen Robinson this offseason?

With the Jacksonville Jaguars projected to have the most salary cap in the NFL, there are a lot of directions they could go in free agency. One position that’s often brought up in the conversation is the receiver position due to what appears to be …

With the Jacksonville Jaguars projected to have the most salary cap in the NFL, there are a lot of directions they could go in free agency. One position that’s often brought up in the conversation is the receiver position due to what appears to be the lack of a No. 1 guy in their unit. 

When looking at the 2021 free-agent class, it looks like receiver could be a strength of it as notables like Chris Godwin, Kenny Golladay, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Will Fuller V are set to hit the open market. However, none of those names are arguably more intriguing than that of former Jaguar Allen Robinson. 

After a solid run with the Chicago Bears where he’s managed to garner 255 catches for 3,151 receiving yards, there have been some well-documented issues with him getting a contract extension. As a result, the Bears wrapped up their season yesterday after falling to the New Orleans Saints without a new deal getting done. As a result, he inched a step closer to becoming a free-agent. 

Of course, the Bears still can’t be counted out for retaining Robinson as they could come to a solution in the offseason. First, that would require them to get their cap situation fixed as they are projected to be about $90k over the cap at the moment. They also could franchise Robinson, which could cost around $16 million based on last year’s figures, but that could lead to a dicey situation as the past has shown. 

Regardless of where the situation goes, Robinson and his camp have made it clear they aren’t happy. He added more fuel to the fire by stating that “Everything is on the table” Monday when asked about his contract situation and added that he felt the Bears had a chance to retain him before this point. 

“I personally feel like we had an opportunity to be able to get something done over the past 365 days,” Robinson said.

For Jags fans, this tune sounds awfully familiar, and with “everything” being on the table, many members of the fanbase have begun to wonder if a reunion is possible. After all, the front office that wasn’t able to come to an adequate deal with him are now gone, and the team has a projected amount of $73.3 million in cap space to be available.

Oh yeah, and who can forget the fact that the Jags are in position to offer Robinson a better quarterback situation with the No. 1 overall pick in their grasp? If you are Trevor Lawrence, having a trio of him, D.J. Chark Jr., and Laviska Shenault Jr. certainly wouldn’t be a bad way to start things off.

Again, we’re a long ways from finding out if the Bears can retain Robinson. After all, he’s proven that he likes Chicago through some rough conditions behind center, which is telling. Still, there is no denying that a perfect storm is brewing for him to hit the open market, too.

All of that said, we want to hear from those of you at home. Do you think A-Rob will hit the open market? If so, do you think he’d be open to coming back to Duval, which may be better off than it was when he left? Let us know in the poll below. 

 

Jalen Ramsey, Allen Robinson share thoughts on Twitter after NFLPA wins grievance over Jags

With the NFLPA winning its grievance against the Jacksonville Jaguars it was only a matter of time before players started chiming in on the situation and former cornerback Jalen Ramsey unsurprisingly jumped on the opportunity. Like his teammate …

With the NFLPA winning its grievance against the Jacksonville Jaguars it was only a matter of time before players started chiming in on the situation and former cornerback Jalen Ramsey unsurprisingly jumped on the opportunity. Like his teammate Dante Fowler Jr. did, Ramsey took to social media to share his thoughts and posted the following tweet:

As you all at home can see, former Jags receiver Allen Robinson had a response as well, which may be hard to judge. However, it’s worth noting that Robinson is on record for saying he felt that he also needed to get away from the Jags’ organization.

As for Ramsey, it’s pretty much stating the obvious that Coughlin was one of the reasons he left, but he probably wasn’t the only reason he left. Being the star he is, it shouldn’t be ruled out that Ramsey also wanted to land in a more desirable market where he could expand his career beyond football.

Regardless, it’s clear the Jags are a circus at this point. With a rebuild coming up, fans are right to be concerned at the moment because the perception of the team isn’t good right now, which will make the process an uphill battle.