NFL’s Top Free Agent Right Now … Is a Viking
NFL free agency has nine days in the books, and the Minnesota Vikings have actively participated in the process — and then some.
NFL’s Top Free Agent Right Now … Is a Viking
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has added Ryan Kelly (C), Will Fries (G), Jonathan Allen (DT), Javon Hargrave (DT), Jordan Mason (RB, trade), Isaiah Rodgers (CB), and Jeff Okudah (CB) in free agency in addition to re-upping with Aaron Jones (RB), Byron Murphy Jr. (CB), Theo Jackson (S), and Harrison Smith (S).
But the Vikings have not re-signed offensive tackle Cam Robinson — and almost certainly won’t — and he just so happens to be the top free agent on the market, says ESPN.
Cam Robinson as the League’s Top Free Agent
ESPN’s Matt Bowen sized up the state of play in free agency this week, and Robinson topped his list of best remaining free agents.
Bowen explained, “At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Robinson has the ideal size, length and traits for the tackle position. Technical lapses have prevented him from playing at a consistent level, and his 88.2% pass block win rate last season was below average.
“But with the ability to engulf rushers at the point of attack and the foot speed to redirect, Robinson has the desired tools.”
Former Vikings center Garrett Bradbury also made the cut at No. 15, but the New England Patriots swiped him on Tuesday, and he’s on deck to start for New England with long-time center David Andrews exiting the franchise last week.
Other top free agents, per Bowen, included Rasul Douglas (CB), Stefon Diggs (WR), Amari Cooper (WR), and Asante Samuel Jr. (CB).
His Pit Stop in Minnesota
Last October, Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw tore his ACL at the Los Angeles Rams at a time when Minnesota was straight cruising. Head coach Kevin O’Connell could’ve tabbed David Quessenberry or Walter Rouse for starter’s duty, but Minnesota traded a conditional 5th-Round pick for Robinson instead.
At the time of the trade for Robinson, Minnesota considered itself a Super Bowl contender, and while some Vikings fans decried the deal as too short-term, Robinson did help lock down quarterback Sam Darnold’s blindside for half a season.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recently signed OT Justin Skule in free agency, eliminating the possibility of a Robinson reunion, which was an extreme longshot in the first place.
Robinson’s Bio
The Jaguars plucked Robinson from Round 2 of the 2017 NFL Draft — the same day that Minnesota drafted running back Dalvin Cook — and he stayed in Jacksonville for 7.5 seasons, starting 91 games with the franchise.
Robinson filled in decently for the Vikings following the trade, undergoing some ups and downs. He assuredly wasn’t as proficient as Darrisaw but represented an upgrade over some left tackles that Vikings fans have experienced over the years. All told, Robinson started 10 games in purple.
Here’s Robinson’s Pro Football Focus resume to date:
- 2024: 64.7
- 2023: 65.4
- 2022: 67.2
- 2021: 67.4
- 2020: 61.7
- 2019: 54.8
- 2018: 63.4
- 2017: 52.4
Robinson is similar to Vikings guard and free agent Dalton Risner, with his skill set more focused on pass protection and lagging a bit in run-blocking.
Some fans decried the Robinson trade as too expensive and shortsighted for an LT “rental,” though most generally accepted the deal as wise at the time. After all, Robinson being signed by a different team could involve Minnesota gaining a compensatory selection.
Who Wants Him?
Robinson should sign somewhere in the NFL before too long; he’s too good to be on the open market this late in the game in free agency.
Keep an eye on these squads as possible landing spots:
- Cleveland Browns
- Houston Texans
- Miami Dolphins
- New England Patriots
It’s worth noting that teams could wait until after the 2025 NFL Draft to grab Robinson, a contingency plan of sorts.
Michael DeVito of Musket Fire, a Patriots-themed website, wrote this week about Robinson to New England: “Robinson was always a solid left tackle option, and unquestionably, he’s the best remaining free agent for any team needing a left tackle. No team needs one more than the Patriots. Hopefully, they have enough cap space available to sign him.”
“Robinson starts Day One, immediately solves a glaring need, and allows the team to draft tackle options later than with their first or even top two or three picks. It’s a match made in NFL heaven. If the cap space is there or can be freed up by trades, releases, etc., it’s a no-brainer. Pay whatever it takes and sign Cam Robinson.”
Robinson will turn 30 in October. His estimated market value checks in around $14 million per season, according to Spotrac.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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