NY Jets: Allen Robinson would be the perfect free-agent splash

The NY Jets are in the midst of what may prove to be one of the most pivotal offseasons in franchise history. After finishing the 2020 campaign with an abysmal 2-14 record, the team owns the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.

The trade that sent All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seahawks also sent Seattle’s first and third-round picks to New York.

The franchise is in need of a major facelift, a new quarterback, and a myriad of offensive weapons. While they have the capital to address some of these needs, the team also has over $65 million in projected cap space (the second-most in the league).

And that number will only rise once roster cuts take place.

Thankfully, this places the Jets in a prime position to snag one of the best skill position players on the market — former Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson. Here’s why the former Pro Bowler would be a perfect fit for Gang Green.

Allen Robinson’s production

Over the past few seasons, Robinson has quietly established himself as one of the more dangerous and consistent pass-catchers in the league.

The former second-round pick burst onto the scene during his second season at the NFL level. That year, he recorded a blistering 1,400 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

After injuries hampered his production from 2016-2017, the former Penn State star has re-emerged as a legitimate weapon over the past two seasons. In 2019, he posted 1,147 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2020, he added another 1,250 yards and six scores.

At just 27-years-old, Robinson is in the midst of his prime, with several seasons of elite production remaining. Should the Jets elect to use their draft capital on other areas, he could immediately slot in as a No. 1 receiver in New York.

Allen Robinson’s history with subpar quarterbacks

Robinson’s production has been even more impressive when you consider the low level of quarterback play he has experienced over his career. The wideout posted some of his best career numbers despite being paired with a universal bust in Blake Bortles from 2014-2017.

Then, after liberating himself from that purgatory, Robinson found himself paired with another bust in Bears’ starter Mitchell Trubisky.

The Jets have an array of options at the quarterback position. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has predicted that up to 18 veteran starting quarterbacks are likely to change teams this offseason.

The Jets will also have their pick of the non-Trevor Lawrence rookie class, as well as the option to retain incumbent starter Sam Darnold.

Unless New York elects to swing a blockbuster trade for an established star, it is likely the team will have a young signal-caller in the fold. Robinson’s career shows that he is more than capable of thriving in this type of situation.

Why the NY Jets should sign Allen Robinson

Robinson is projected to be one of the highest-paid pass catchers on the market this offseason. In fact, he is projected to command somewhere in the range of $20 million per season.

As things stand, only Atlanta’s Julio Jones and Dallas’ Amari Cooper have average salaries above the $20 million annual threshold.

However, Robinson now has several seasons of top production that prove his worth. I am personally of the opinion that the Jets’ No. 1 offseason priority should be addressing the desperate need at QB through the draft or trade market.

This makes Robinson a near-perfect top target in free agency. Whether the Jets commit to Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, or sell the farm for Deshaun Watson, the Jets’ signal-caller will need a legitimate NFL playmaker in order to reach their peak.

Robinson would provide that type of talent infusion without limiting the franchise’s ability to pursue their favorite quarterbacks.

He should be their top target in free agency.

Would you like to see Allen Robinson in green and white next season?