Niner Noise
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NFL Free Agency: Laying out a plan for the 49ers

By Logan Stanley

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – AUGUST 17: Allen Robinson #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts to run past Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game at EverBank Field on August 17, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – AUGUST 17: Allen Robinson #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts to run past Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game at EverBank Field on August 17, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Wide receiver Allen Robinson

PFF Grade: 74.9 (2016)

Spotrac: 4 years, $40. 6 million — $10.1 million annually

Cap space left: $79. 8 million

Wide receiver Allen Robinson did not play in 2017 due to an ACL tear, but the fifth-year player should still be a top free agent candidate for San Francisco. Admittedly so, Robinson did have a relatively disappointing 2016 season, recording only 883 yards and 73 receptions with six touchdowns.

I am still high on Robinson as a player. His 2015 campaign cannot be forgotten, when Robinson had 1,400 yards and 80 receptions with 14 touchdowns. Per Pro Football Focus, Robinson led the league in deep receiving yards with 682 and was the No. 11 graded wide receiver at 87.5.

Remind you, that was with 23-year-old Blake Bortles at quarterback.

Leading up to this season, Robinson was reportedly looking like one of the team’s top players. With his deep play threat, Robinson would offer a dynamic that the 49ers’ offense would welcome with open arms. And standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Robinson is a prime red zone target.

Both of those abilities would be utilized by Garoppolo masterfully.

Barring any sudden change of events, it is very likely that the Jacksonville Jaguars bring back will tag Robinson, either on the franchise tag or a new long-term deal.

A new contract might be around four years, $58 million (the same as Green Bay wide receiver Davante Adams’ new deal). Even if the 49ers offered Robinson that same type of contract, they would still have roughly $75 million in cap space.

If Jacksonville opts to not bring back Robinson, the 49ers should be first in line to set up a meeting.

  • Players I also like: Paul Richardson, Seattle Seahawks; Jarvis Landry, Miami Dolphins; Sammy Watkins, Los Angeles Rams.