AP source: Jags, LT Robinson agree to 3-year, $54M extension
The Jacksonville Jaguars essentially ruled out taking a left tackle with the top pick in the NFL draft by agreeing to terms with veteran Cam Robinson on a three-year extension Wednesday.
Robinson’s new deal totals just shy of $54 million, roughly $18 million a year, according to a person familiar with negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side made details public.
Robinson signed his franchise tender two weeks ago, guaranteeing him $16.7 million next season. But he ended up getting more from the extension. The move also means Jacksonville has little need to draft North Carolina State’s Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu, Alabama’s Evan Neal or Mississippi State’s Charles Cross at No. 1.
Jacksonville is expected to choose between a pair of pass rushers, either Georgia’s Travon Walker or Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson. Walker is the betting favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Robinson, a former Alabama standout, has started 61 games over five seasons since Jacksonville drafted him with the 34th overall pick in 2017. But he’s been far from one of the league’s best blind-side protectors, making Jacksonville’s decision to use the franchise tag on him for a second straight year a surprise.
■ COMMANDERS: The Washington Commanders have picked up edge rusher Montez Sweat’s fifth-year option, an expected move that keeps a cornerstone of their defense under contract through the 2023 season.
Sweat is set to earn $11.5 million that season on the option the team announced Wednesday it was exercising on its second pick in the first round in 2019. Washington traded up to take Sweat with the 26th pick.
The Mississippi State product has become a key part of Washington’s defensive line along with fellow pass rusher Chase Young and defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. All were firstround picks.
Sweat has 21 sacks and 119 tackles in 42 NFL games with Washington. He had five sacks and 24 tackles in 10 games last season around missing several weeks with a broken jaw.