The Jaguars were busy last week, as they not only extended quarterback Blake Bortles through 2020, but locked up decision-makers Tom Coughlin, Dave Caldwell, and Doug Marrone through the 2021 campaign. With those moves out of the way, Jacksonville will now try to hammer out an agreement with free agent wide receiver Allen Robinson, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
As Rapoport notes, the Jaguars freed up cap space by extending Bortles and releasing running back Chris Ivory, bringing the club’s total amount of projected cap room to $30MM+. As such, Jacksonville has ample funds if it decides to use the franchise tag — at a cost north of $16MM — on Robinson, a possibility PFR’s Rory Parks examined on Sunday. The Jaguars have indicated a willingness to deploy the tender, but would presumably prefer a long-term deal with Robinson.
Robinson, who missed all but three snaps of the 2017 season after suffering a torn ACL, figures to be one of the most-coveted wideouts on the open market if he reaches free agency. Fellow pass-catcher Jarvis Landry has already been franchise-tagged by the Dolphins, while Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins could also be restricted by such a tender. Paul Richardson, Mike Wallace, and Marqise Lee round out the best available wide receivers who will hit the market next month.
Robinson broke out during the 2015 campaign (his second in the NFL) by posting 80 receptions, 1,400 yards, and a league-leading 14 touchdowns. The next year was something of a down season, although he still managed 73 catches.
Would love to see him in SF
I wholeheartedly second your sentiment. Robinson, Garcon, Goodwin, Taylor, and Kittle would make a very solid and versatile receiving group for Garrapolo…
The 49ers would finally have their #1 WR in Robinson, an excellent, veteran possession receiver in Garcon, a speedy, deep threat and screen option in Goodwin, a young and talented Tight End in Kittle, and a shifty, slot receiver in Taylor.
Not to mention, Garropolo would also still have his swiss army knife, and his reliable check down option, in Jusczcyk.
Add-in another versatile threat like drafting RB Sony Michel, and a possible 4th round, talented prospect like Marcel Ateman, and that would definitely round out what could be an excellent, collective group of weapons for Jimmy G…
Heck, last year, he proved he’s capable of getting the most out of his teammates, so with a healthy Garcon, a true #1 in Robinson, and two more talented prospects like Michel and Ateman, it could very well male the 49ers offense a real force on the rise!!
F that
Jags need him back. They should let Lee walk and maybe cut Hurns if they need the cap space, but as of right now I just don’t feel confident in Westbrook/Cole/Mickens as the WRs going forward. Westbrook can be a WR2 or WR3, but I don’t think he’s WR1 material.
Yep
Not easily replaced. But, not worth breaking the bank.
He’s a stud