Why Jaguars GM deserves praise for his smart trade

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a big move this week with a deal Veteran left tackle Cam Robinson moved to the Minnesota Vikings for a conditional future Day 3 pick. And with that, Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke took the prudent and necessary step.

Jacksonville made its intentions with Robinson clear as early as Week 8, with former starting left tackle Cam Robinson opening the game as the backup left tackle in favor of 2021 second-rounder Walker Little.

Because of Robinson’s concussion protocol, little had received full practice reps over the course of the week, but the Jaguars made their message clear when Robinson didn’t play a snap in the game – not on special teams, not as a sixth lineman in jumbo formations and not when the Jaguars followed suit Injuries to guards Brandon Scherff and Ezra Cleveland forced their line to move.

The Jaguars could have used Robinson as one of their top five offensive players. They didn’t and it became clear that the relationship with Robinson and the Jaguars had eroded.

The Walker Little era had begun, at least for the next two months.

And that’s why it was a wise decision for Baalke to deal with Robinson. Benched left tackles with high salaries and only nine games remaining won’t have much value, even if the left tackle has 91 starts under his belt.

Robinson was the highest-paid player on the offensive line, and a team will never allow one of those players to simply sit on the sidelines.

The Jaguars and Robinson had their way, and instead of taking a spot on the 53-man roster for Robinson as a backup, the Jaguars got a possible fourth-round pick for him based on playing time.

Replacing veterans when their contracts expire is always good business. Making the player a potential fourth-round pick is even better for business.

It’s time for the Jaguars to see what Little has in him for the future. Is he the left tackle of the future or do the Jaguars have a big need after 2024? Now the Jaguars can figure out the answer while selecting a player who no longer serves a role on the roster.

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