Cam Robinson Joins Houston Texans to Fortify Offensive Line
The Houston Texans have made a significant move to bolster their offensive line, securing veteran left tackle Cam Robinson via free agency. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Robinson has agreed to terms with the Texans, bringing an experienced presence to the team as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. This acquisition addresses a critical need for the Texans, who recently traded away their Pro Bowl left tackle, Laremy Tunsil, to the Washington Commanders. Robinson’s arrival signals a commitment to protecting their quarterback and establishing a strong running game.
Robinson, a former second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, boasts a proven track record as a reliable starter in the league. He spent the majority of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, solidifying himself as their long-term solution at left tackle. His tenure with the Jaguars spanned over seven seasons, during which he consistently provided stability and experience to their offensive line.
However, Robinson’s journey took an unexpected turn during the 2024 season. Prior to the trade deadline, the Jaguars opted to trade him to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings were seeking to add depth and experience to their offensive line, particularly with injuries impacting their starting lineup. The trade involved the Vikings acquiring Robinson and a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick from the Jaguars. In exchange, the Jaguars received a 2026 fifth-round pick, with the potential for it to become a fourth-round selection based on Robinson’s playing time in Minnesota. This condition underscored the Vikings’ expectation that Robinson would play a significant role for them.
During his brief stint with the Vikings, Robinson stepped in as a starter due to an injury to Christian Darrisaw, the Vikings’ primary left tackle. He started seven games for the team, providing valuable experience and stability in Darrisaw’s absence. However, Robinson’s performance during his time in Minnesota was somewhat inconsistent.
In the 11 games he played for the Vikings, Robinson allowed four sacks and 49 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Notably, he struggled in the Vikings’ wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, where he surrendered 12 pressures. This performance raised concerns about his ability to consistently protect the quarterback against top-tier pass rushers.
Overall, during the 2024 regular season, Robinson played a total of 999 snaps for both the Jaguars and the Vikings. Across these snaps, he allowed seven sacks, committed 13 penalties, and surrendered 52 pressures. His performance was reflected in his Pro Football Focus grade, where he ranked as the 53rd-rated tackle among 81 qualifiers. This ranking places him in the middle of the pack among NFL tackles, suggesting that he is a serviceable player but not necessarily a dominant force.
Throughout his NFL career, Robinson has primarily played left tackle. He has demonstrated versatility by playing two snaps at left guard in 2022, but he has otherwise exclusively served as a blind-side blocker. This positional consistency suggests that he is most comfortable and effective at left tackle, where he can utilize his size, strength, and experience to protect the quarterback’s blind side.
At 29 years old, Robinson is considered a seasoned veteran in the NFL. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Texans’ offensive line. The Texans’ acquisition of Robinson is motivated by their need to replace Laremy Tunsil, who was traded to the Washington Commanders during the offseason. Tunsil was a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle who had been a cornerstone of the Texans’ offensive line for several years. His departure left a significant void that the Texans are hoping Robinson can fill.
The Texans are expected to slot Robinson into the starting left tackle role. His primary responsibility will be to protect the quarterback, allowing him to make throws and lead the offense effectively. Additionally, Robinson will play a crucial role in establishing the running game, creating running lanes for the team’s running backs.
The Texans’ decision to sign Robinson reflects their commitment to improving their offensive line. A strong offensive line is essential for any successful NFL team, as it provides protection for the quarterback, opens up running lanes, and allows the offense to operate effectively. By adding Robinson, the Texans are hoping to create a more formidable and reliable offensive line that can contribute to their overall success.
While Robinson’s performance in recent years has been somewhat inconsistent, his experience and track record suggest that he can be a valuable asset to the Texans. He is a proven starter who has played at a high level for several years. If he can regain his top form, he could be a significant upgrade for the Texans’ offensive line. The Texans are banking on Robinson’s experience and leadership to help solidify their offensive line and contribute to a successful 2025 season. His ability to adapt quickly to the Texans’ offensive scheme and build rapport with his new teammates will be crucial to his success in Houston.
