Latest NFL development creates the perfect storm for the Packers to address a position of huge need in free agency
A’Shawn Robinson is now available.
The market for defensive tackles in free agency is a tough look. It’s hard to find potential solid pieces — Logan Hall and veteran Calais Campbell are probably the best options. So while the Green Bay Packers badly need options, especially after trading Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts, there are not many alternatives.
However, one cap casualty can be that piece. On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers released veteran defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson.
A’Shawn Robinson is the ideal option for several reasons
The Panthers cut Robinson mostly because of cap implications. Entering the final year of his deal, he was set to make $8.5 million in 2026, none of which was guaranteed — plus $2 million in likely to be earned incentives, which would hit the cap. Therefore, the Panthers saved $10.5 million against the cap by releasing him, with only $2.055 million in dead money.
The Panthers have been active spenders this offseason, signing edge defender Jaelen Phillips, linebacker Devin Lloyd, and backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. That sequence prompted the need to save money elsewhere.
However, Robinson is still a good player. At 30 years old, he’s coming off a solid year in Carolina in a similar front structure that the Packers should use under Jonathan Gannon.
In 2025 alone, he generated 31 pressures and had 34 stops — he’s solid both to create havoc against the quarterback and to stop the run, which is exactly what the Packers need. Since moving on from TJ Slaton and Kenny Clark last offseason, the Packers have mostly had designated interior rushers in players like Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks.
Even better for the Packers, because he was released by the Panthers, he doesn’t count toward the compensatory draft pick formula for 2027 — Green Bay should receive four picks for possibly losing Malik Willis, Rasheed Walker, Quay Walker, and Romeo Doubs in free agency.
A’Shawn Robinson was a second-round pick from the Detroit Lions in 2016. After four years in the NFC North, he’s played for the Los Angeles Rams (where he won a Super Bowl ring) and New York Giants before arriving in Charlotte two offseasons ago.
The Packers badly need defensive line help, and the perfect opportunity might have just emerged for Brian Gutekunst.
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