Brece Hall is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in the Jets‘ Week 7 win over the Broncos. A day later, New York found a notable replacement for their star running back, acquiring james robinson from jaguars in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick, as confirmed by CBS Sports NFL the initiate Josina Anderson. Robinson made a quick comeback from his own serious injury to open 2022 in the Jacksonville backfield, but Travis Etienne Jr. had become the primary running back for the Jaguars in recent weeks.
The sixth-round pick acquired by the Jaguars may become a fifth-round pick depending on Robinson’s performance as New York’s presumptive RB1. Michael Carter was previously expected to take over as the Jets’ top guard after Hall was sidelined in Sunday’s win and quickly ruled out. Now, Gang Green will have Robinson, 24, not just for the rest of 2022, but possibly beyond. As Joel Corry, CBS Sports contributor notes, the Jets may possibly extend the veteran on a restricted free agent tender through 2023.
Robinson is two years into a 1,000-yard rushing campaign as a rookie. The former undrafted standout had an equally productive start to 2021 before suffering an Achilles tear in Week 16. This year, parting the keys with Etienne, he wasn’t as effective, with a averaged less than four yards per run in three different games, before taking no runs in Week 6. Etienne, meanwhile, a 2021 first-round pick by Jacksonville, recently became one of the top makers of the club’s attacking plays.
In New York, Hall quickly made a name for himself as one of the best rookies this year, propelling the Jets’ rushing game with 463 rushing yards in seven games. Considering he faces a potentially long road to recovery after his ACL tear, it’s possible Robinson could also serve as the team’s starting ball carrier, or at least split runs, to open 2023 as well. .
Commercial qualities
Jaguar: B
Either way, Etienne would become the focal point of their ground game, bringing dynamic ability as both a runner and receiver. So it makes sense that Jacksonville is ready to offload Robinson, who likely would have secured a restricted free agent bid in 2023, at best. A potential fifth round is solid value for a veteran hire who just suffered an injury at a replaceable position. The only reason it’s not a slam-dunk victory is that Etienne has his own injury history, and Robinson could have remained a cost-contained addition until 2023.
Throws: A-
New York is 5-2, threatening a surprise playoff run, and Robinson has proven he can be a fullback every time. With Hall sidelined until – and potentially until 2023 – it’s the perfect type of low-risk, high-reward bet for a contending team. What he lacks in explosiveness, Robinson makes up for in tenacity, making him a plug-and-play candidate for heavy workloads alongside Michael Carter. Worst-case scenario, he fails and New York has only one sixth round. Best-case scenario, he thrives and can renege on a modest RFA deal to handle the sidelines next year as well.
fantasy catch
How James Robinson’s Trade Affects Michael Carter
From CBS Sports Fantasy Analyst Dave Richard: When you think about the last year and more for Carter — his failure to cement a significant role in the Jets offense as a rookie, watching his team sign a stud rookie in April, then trade for a good veteran to replace the rookie stud – it’s hard to see him evolving into a serious Fantasy asset. That would change if he could start ordering targets on a weekly basis, but the Jets offense doesn’t call for many throws to running back and quarterback. Zach Wilson tends to look down, not throw short.
Carter also got off to a good start. His rushing average sits at 3.5, his rushing attempts per game are at a low 9.4 and his reception numbers have all but dried up since Wilson took over at quarterback. His only highlight was scoring twice in a blowout win over Miami in Week 5.
Carter is obviously worth signing up for, but he’s unlikely to be better than a No. 3 running back as long as Robinson makes an impact. He should still be hooked for at least 10 touches a week and about 40% of the snaps with the Jets, but he’s unlikely to be used regularly in high-value situations like near the goal line.
To learn more about the trade and how it affects both the Jets and Jaguars, click here.