The New York Jets ended the 2017 season without a single 1,000 yard receiver. The closest they had was with Robby Anderson, who was just about 60 yards short, sitting at 941 on the season. Of course, Anderson’s off-field issues continue to plague him after being hit with 10 violations following an altercation with police. His future with the team remains uncertain at the time. Excluding Anderson, the Jets have Quincy Enunwa, who was a pleasant surprise in the 2016 season, but would be returning from a neck injury. They also have Jermaine Kearse, who was acquired in the Sheldon Richardson trade before the season started.
After that, nothing.
The Jets have several wide receivers who did not meet expectations. ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen totalled under 200 receiving yards combined on the season. Needless to say, the receivers group could use a boost.
Enter: Free Agent WR Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson was drafted in the second round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014. Since then, he has had a rather up and down career. In his first season, he was able to notch over 500 yards while appearing in ten games as the third string receiver. In 2015, he was named as one of two regular starters for the Jaguars’ offense, enjoying a breakout year. 80 catches, an even 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. On top of that, he even made it to the Pro Bowl that year.
WATCH: Should #Jets make a run at #Jaguars WR Allen Robinson? https://t.co/OA4cqfwEu9
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) February 15, 2018
Expect Allen Robinson back in Jacksonville, but teams such as the #Jets and #Bears could drive the price up
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) February 10, 2018
The following season, Robinson, as well as the rest of the team, seemed to decline. Held to only 883 yards and six touchdowns, 2016 certainly did not meet expectations. The team struggled to a 3-13 record. With new head coach Doug Marrone, the team bounced back in 2017 and made it to the AFC Championship game, but did so without Robinson, who tore his ACL in the first game of the season.
The injury could be both good and bad. Good because it could mean that Jacksonville will move on from Robinson and either draft or sign a replacement. Returning from an injury like an ACL tear could mean that his asking price will not be as high. But of course, no one has seen Robinson play since then. His performance on the field will be put into question. There is no telling if he will be the same player when he returns, but if the Jets can sign him to a shorter, inexpensive contract, there could be less risk, more reward.
Robinson boasts a 6’3 frame, weighing in at 211 pounds. He has proven that he can get open time and time again. If the Jets have the opportunity, they should make a strong push to acquire Robinson without breaking the bank.
– Adam Melendez is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @melendez2015 Follow @FPC_Jets
