Playing in just 35 career games across two-and-a-half seasons in Jacksonville, James Robinson has a lot of time left to prove what he can offer to the NFL. However, Robinson will not be spending the rest of his career with the team that took a chance on him as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

After Travis Etienne’s emergence in Jacksonville’s last three contests, Robinson’s workload had taken a tremendous hit as trade rumors began to surface. Tonight, October 24, confirmed the speculation with the Jaguars sending Robinson to the New York jets for a mere sixth round draft pick with the potential to become a fifth.

Rushing for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns (ESPN.com), the Illinois State product put himself on the map as a rookie and was in heavy consideration for the 2020 Pro Bowl. He flashed quick acceleration while also being a tough runner despite his smaller stature. Before Urban Meyer showed up in Florida and improperly utilized Robinson, he was a borderline top 15 back in the league, yet all the Jaguars could muster from New York was a sixth round draft pick.

Starting with Jacksonville, let us break down our thoughts on this intriguing move.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars traded away one of their biggest assets for a Day 3 draft selection that will most likely not amount to much, at least in Jacksonville, a franchise with a history of poorly developing stars (take Robinson for example). As he was a free agent signing following the 2020 NFL Draft, Jacksonville received more than what they gave up for Robinson but it seems like a weak consolation for an up-and-coming star. Off to a hot start this season, it was mind-boggling that Robinson’s role diminished as Head Coach Doug Pederson chose to go with the 2021 first-rounder in Etienne. However, all things considered, this is a business and a team should try and put the money that they spent on a first round pick to good use. I’m not a fan of the trade, but I cannot be too harsh, as they did obtain more than they gave up for the former Illinois State Redbird and still have a promising star in Travis Etienne Jr. behind him.

Grade: C-

New York Jets

Losing freshman phenom Breece Hall for the season due to a torn ACL following a win over Denver on Sunday was heart-shattering but this move may sweeten the burn. Robinson, as mentioned above, had almost everything in his arsenal to become a superstar. By being sent to New York, he received the missing piece—a consistent coach that will properly utilize him. This change of scenery could be crucial in developing Robinson to the best of his abilities. As for New York, the price was very nice, only losing a conditional sixth-rounder. General Manager Joe Douglas hit a homerun on this move.

Grade: A+