The Jacksonville Jaguars recently signed three key organization pieces to extensions, so the front office can now focus on re-signing star wide receiver Allen Robinson.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media notes the Jaguars have created $12.6 million of cap space over the last three days, and that extra room could result in Robinson securing a deserved long-term contract.
Jacksonville is basically checking off the boxes of the offseason, moving from low-stress items to more challenging deals. The team agreed to terms on an extension for quarterback Blake Bortles, as well as head coach Doug Marrone and two executives — Dave Caldwell and Tom Coughlin.
And now, with those four leaders wrapped up, the Jaguars can focus on negotiations with Robinson. He’s an unrestricted free agent in an underwhelming class, so the fifth-year receiver is sure to attract great interest around the NFL.
Jacksonville might want to avoid a bidding war, and it’s possible the front office uses the franchise tag on Robinson. He’d be more expensive in 2018, but the short-term loss could result in long-term savings due to a stronger group of free agents in 2019.