Jacksonville Jaguars: Allen Robinson or Aaron Colvin for franchise tag?
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars could possibly use the franchise tag on Aaron Colvin or Allen Robinson, but which one would be the best option?
Feb. 20 is the first day that teams can designate Franchise players. The Jacksonville Jaguars have two players that might be candidates to be tagged. Aaron Colvin or Allen Robinson could get the franchise tag.
There are two ways to tag a player with the franchise designation. Kevin Seifert of espn.com explains each type:
"The first is the “exclusive-rights” franchise tag. Any player with this tag is bound to the team for the upcoming season. His agent is prohibited from seeking offer sheets elsewhere. The second is the “non-exclusive” franchise tag. In this scenario, players can sign an offer sheet with another team."
There are nine players from the Jags becoming free agents in March. Seems like Jacksonville would look to keep Colvin and Robinson. Remember, salary cap space has grown smaller due to signing previous free agents.
According to OverTheCap.com, the Jaguars cap space has diminished to just$16 million for 2018. Since the draft is just around the corner, there must be money to sign the draft class. Jacksonville has to get creative with the cap.
Can the Jaguars create more money through cutting players? Which player is more valuable to the success of the team? Is there a way to keep both players?
First, if the Jaguars cut Allen Hurns and Jermey Parnell, they would save $12 million. According to the 2017 franchise tag values, per ESPN.com, wide receivers are valued at $15,682,000. Cornerbacks are valued at $14,212,000. Colvin is the better value with the franchise tag.
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What’s more, Robinson spent last season on the injured reserve list. As a result, he must prove that he is healthy. Consequently, the Jaguars may look to sign him for less money than he is expecting.
Finally, Jacksonville might extend Colvin’s contract as a key piece of the defense. If they pay Colvin, expect Robinson to be franchise tagged. Rather than pursue other free agents, Jacksonville may re-invest into these two players.