JACKSONVILLE – It's official, and Cam Robinson is glad for that.
Robinson, the Jaguars' starting left tackle for the past five seasons, on Monday made official what had been reported last week by signing a long-term contract extension to remain with the team.
"It's hard to put it into words; it's a blessing," he said.
Robinson (6-feet-6, 335 pounds), a second-round selection by the Jaguars in the 2017 NFL Draft, has started 61 of 61 games – all at left tackle – in five seasons. He has started 44 of 44 games in three seasons since missing 14 games in 2018 with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
“This is the thing you’ve been working toward since you were a kid playing in little league or just started playing the game. It’s sort of surreal, but it’s definitely an awesome moment for myself and my family... I knew the whole time this was the place I wanted to be long-term if they would have me.”
Robinson played this past season under the NFL's franchise tag and the team in March had placed that tag on him for a second consecutive year. His signing Monday negates the franchise tag and he is now under a long-term deal.
"It was just kind of a thing, 'Let's get with my agent and have him get with the team, and let's just get it worked out,''' Robinson said. "It took a little while, but ultimately I kind of figured we would get it done. I knew we were working toward the point we ended up getting to, so I was just excited when we were able to get to that point.
"There are two ways to look at the franchise tag. Of course, if you get the franchise tag you want to get something long-term done. That was the main focus."
Players on the franchise tag typically have two choices – to play under the tag or to not play that season. Robinson said he didn't consider the latter an option.
"Of course, I was going to play under the tag," he said. "I was never not going to play under the tag. It was just huge for myself and my party. We definitely wanted something long-term. I think it's great we were able to get that done.
"My confidence never really wavered. That was never really an issue. We didn't know if we were going to be able to get it done. Both parties wanted to get it done."
Robinson was asked if he ever thought the '22 season could be his last with the Jaguars.
"I was honestly just trying to stay open-minded," Robinson said. "From the feedback I was getting from the front office here and from my agent, I knew we wanted to get a deal done. It was just coming to agreements on terms and conditions, and just getting everything how we thought it should be.
"It was just a process. I wouldn't say I ever thought I wouldn't be a Jag. It took a minute, but we were ultimately able to get it finished."
