The Minnesota Vikings have traded for left tackle Cam Robinson from the Jacksonville Jaguars. The compensation is a fifth-round pick that could become a fourth-round pick in 2026 in exchange for Robinson and a 2026 seventh-round pick that can go away based on playing time. The hope is that the Vikings will give up a fourth to Jacksonville and that the seventh will go away.
That means you traded for a player that is being used.
Robinson isn’t going to be able to fill the shoes of Christian Darrisaw. No one the Vikings could trade for would. Darrisaw is a top-three left tackle in the game. However, Robinson is an experienced vet who plays at a better-than-average level. He’s had an exceptional last handful of games and is playing great.
The Jaguars have decided they aren’t going to pay him after this season. The Jaguars are also 2-6 and four games behind the Texans. They aren’t likely going 8-1 to finish the season. They’re sellers of expiring contracts. They’re guaranteeing themselves the fourth- or fifth-round pick instead of waiting for comp picks. The Vikings will benefit if Robinson signs a nice contract this offseason.
Per @DiBonaNFL
Cam Robinson has been exceptional lately, only allowing 2 pressures in 117 pass attempts since Wk 4. #SKOL— Ben Leber (@nacholeber) October 29, 2024
So, it’s hard not to like this deal for the Vikings.
They’re risking a fifth-round pick. If Robinson plays poorly and has no comp pick in the future. The upside is a likely competent LT, keeping this year’s window open, and a fourth-round pick in exchange for a fifth- or sixth-round comp pick. I do not see much downside to it. The likelihood a 2026 fourth-round pick is a game-changer for this team is slim.
UPDATE: The #Jaguars have agreed to pay down a portion of Cam Robinson’s remaining $9.6M as part of this trade. Efforting to learn the specifics… https://t.co/FJxWzC1Pe5
— Spotrac (@spotrac) October 30, 2024