After playing on the franchise tag last season, where are Jacksonville Jaguars LT Cam Robinson’s potential landing spots this offseason? What sort of contract might the 2017 second-round selection be expected to see as a free agent, and which teams might be in the market for the position this year?
Cam Robinson’s free agent profile
Since being drafted, Robinson has failed to impress for the most part. Inconsistency has been a big problem in his play and has shown up regularly on film in his first five years in the league. It was somewhat of a surprise that the Jacksonville Jaguars retained him on the franchise tag after his struggles on his rookie contract.
Run blocking has been a particular weakness for Robinson, but his pass blocking has improved visibly this season. However, those concerns over his lack of complete game could soften his market considerably this offseason.
Spotrac has Robinson’s projected market value at around $11.4 million annually on a four-year deal. That feels about right, as it would put him right around the 24th-highest-paid player at the tackle position. Coming off the franchise tag, it will be interesting to see how Robinson views his value. Does he hold out looking for a big deal, or does he look for a one-year prove-it contract in a new environment?
Entering the offseason, Robinson will be right around the 10th-best offensive lineman available among 2022 free agents. His age and improvement in his pass blocking could make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a tackle this offseason. We may even see a team look to move him over to right tackle or inside to guard.
Cam Robinson landing spots
If he doesn’t re-sign with the Jaguars, where could Robinson go? Let’s take a look at a few potential destinations.
The Miami Dolphins are desperate for offensive line upgrades
The Dolphins desperately need to do something with their offensive line. None of the players that have played tackle for them this year have covered themselves in glory. Robinson might have had his struggles, but he feels like a clear upgrade over what Miami has had at tackle this year.
The question with Robinson is whether he is a big enough upgrade over rookie Liam Eichenberg to simply give up the latter’s potential development at left tackle. If the Dolphins feel they can develop Eichenberg in 2022, they may view Robinson as a right tackle upgrade over Jesse Davis. Right tackle is a key position with left-handed Tua Tagovailoa under center, so Miami may want to make a bigger “splash” than Robinson. However, he is an improvement over Davis and his pass blocking is key if the Dolphins want to develop Tua as their QB.
Robinson would be a solution at right tackle for the Baltimore Ravens
During the 2021 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens traded RT Orlando Brown. Unfortunately, they have not had a settled situation at tackle this year, partly due to Ronnie Stanley’s injury. None of their tackle options this year has impressed, and they need to address that this offseason.
What will be interesting about this potential match is how Robinson views himself. Does he see himself as a locked-in left tackle? If so, Baltimore will not be the place for him, because when Stanley returns, that will be his position. However, if Robinson is willing to switch to right tackle, the Ravens could become a much-debated landing spot. Baltimore relies heavily on their run game, so Robinson might be a liability. However, in a different scheme, we could see improvements and Robinson has the talent for the Ravens to work with.
Could the Cincinnati Bengals turn to Robinson this offseason?
In part, this is a similar story to the Ravens in terms of Robinson having to accept a role at right tackle. Jonah Williams has, for the most part, secured his spot at left tackle. Meanwhile, Riley Reiff is set to be a free agent this offseason. Adding Robinson would potentially allow the Bengals to flip Robinson to right tackle, while also having a solid replacement option if Williams were to get hurt at LT.
The Bengals need to prioritize their offensive line this offseason, but will they want to offer premium money for a right tackle? The answer is probably not, and that is why this could be an ideal landing spot for Robinson. He would give them a mid-priced option who has the potential to step in at left tackle in an emergency.
The Indianapolis Colts need their left tackle of the future
The Colts have built their 2021 resurgence around strong offensive line play. However, left tackle could be a concern this offseason. Eric Fisher has done a fine job since returning from injury without being spectacular. He will be a free agent this year and his market could be intriguing.
If Fisher has a robust market, he could end up at a similar salary to Robinson. Therefore, the Colts may decide to look at a player who could be their long-term future at the position. Robinson is significantly younger than Fisher and could easily play the next 5-10 years at LT for the Colts. Fisher likely does not have the same type of potential longevity at the position.
Robinson could be part of a number of changes for the Pittsburgh Steelers
The end of an era is seemingly coming in Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger looks set to retire and the Steelers may no longer be a force in the AFC in the short term. They have struggled through this season, in part because of their offensive line.
Robinson’s play does not make him a clear upgrade at left tackle, but he offers the Steelers the potential of a building block. Robinson is undeniably talented and Pittsburgh may decide to use him as a foundational piece of their offensive line. His run blocking is a concern if they want to build an offense around Najee Harris, but he might be a player the Steelers feel they can develop and improve in their system.