After making Brandon Linder the highest-paid center in the league earlier today, the Jaguars could turn their attention to another offensive player entering his contract year, as wide receiver Allen Robinson says he’s discussed a new deal with the club, according to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union.
Because he wasn’t a first-round draft choice, Robinson can’t be controlled via the fifth-year option, so he’ll become an unrestricted free agent next spring. The Jaguars, who are likely going to carry over more than $40MM in cap space to 2018, will have the ability to use the franchise tag on Robinson, but that will come at a cost north of $16MM. A long-term contract which flattens Robinson’s cap charges and gives him financial security, then, is in the best interests of both parties.
Robinson, who will turn 24 years old next month, broke out in 2015 by hauling in 80 receptions for 1,400 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns. Last season wasn’t as kind, as Robinson — not helped by quarterback Blake Bortles‘ poor play — regressed to fewer than 900 yards receiving and eight scores. Still, Robinson said earlier this year that he’s “earned” an extension from the Jaguars.
Jacksonville already locked up its No. 2 receiver last summer, inking Allen Hurns to a four years, $40.05MM deal that included $16MM in guarantees. Robinson should be able to easily top both those figures, and could conceivably hit $14-15MM — the range earned by the likes of A.J. Green, Julio Jones, and Dez Bryant — if he rebounds next season.
Jags have Hurns locked up already and Marquees Lee had a great year last year.
Add that they just drafted Dede Westbrook and Robinson will not just be handed a lucrative deal.
He’s gonna have to earn it this season.
He dropped a lot of balls last year.