The Jaguars will retain offensive lineman Cam Robinson via the franchise tag, per a club announcement. The move comes just before the 4:00 p.m. ET deadline and gives Jacksonville until the middle of the summer to hash out a long-term pact.
This marks Robinson’s second-straight tag, but the offensive line tag is even higher than the would-be 20% raise. He’ll earn $16.662M in 2022 — up from $13.75M in 2021.
Robinson is entering his third year with the Jaguars, and he’ll be playing for his third head coach in Doug Pederson. At first glance, the deal may seem like a clear overpay — Robinson was in the middle of the pack for starters at the tackle position, per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics. Still, quality young LTs are hard to come by and the Jaguars didn’t have a better replacement at the ready.
Robinson, 26, has made 61 starts for the Jags since being drafted in 2017. His presence will solidify the line in front of Trevor Lawrence, and, perhaps more importantly, give the Jaguars more flexibility with the No. 1 overall pick. They’re no longer obligated to take a tackle, though Alabama star Evan Neal would be a tremendous opposite-side partner for Robinson.
Ikem Ekwonu of North Carolina State is another potential candidate for the Jags at No. 1, though Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson might make more sense than any of the big-name OLs.
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