The Jacksonville Jaguars have informed wide receiver Allen Robinson he will not be franchise tagged, which means he’ll hit free agency this offseason. That also means the Washington Redskins will be free to pursue him in the open market, as NBC Sports Washington’s JP Finlay reports.
Washington head coach Jay Gruden knows he needs more production from his receivers in 2018, and while some of that could come from improved play by Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson, it will also come from outside the existing organization.
One name to watch: Allen Robinson.
The Jaguars wideout is set for free agency unless Jacksonville uses the franchise or transition tag to keep him. And if Robinson hits free agency, the Redskins will likely be interested, based on a number of conversations with folks in NFL circles.
The Redskins received subpar production from their receivers last season. After losing proven veterans DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, no receiver went for more than 800 yards receiving. Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson had decent but unspectacular seasons, while Terrelle Pryor was a major disappointment.
Granted, Robinson isn’t exactly a sure-fire upgrade at the position, which is why the Jaguars are allowing him to hit the open market. The 24-year-old will be coming off a torn ACL which he suffered in Week 1 last season.
But at his best, Robinson has shown the potential to be a true No. 1-caliber receiver. He had a tremendous 2015 season where he had 80 catches for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns, which was tied for most in the league. He took a sizable step back in 2016, but he still ended up with a respectable 883 yards and six scores.
With his very high upside, the Redskins will likely face stiff competition around the league for Robinson’s signature. But if they can somehow get him to the nation’s capital and he returns to his previous form, he would provide a big-time target for incoming quarterback Alex Smith next season.
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