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The Chicago Bears’ defensive line woes likely can’t be solved through the draft alone after how abysmally they performed in all facets last season. Even as people pore over mock drafts to grab the next superstar edge or defensive tackle, the Bears are no doubt studying the veteran market for potential moves heading into free agency as we speak.
One such move might have just presented itself.
The Carolina Panthers are reportedly allowing defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson to seek a trade as he heads into the final year of his contract. Given that the Panthers would save $10.5 million in cap space by cutting him, it’s almost a certainty that Robinson will soon have a new team one way or another.
The 31-year-old defender, a former 2016 second-round pick of the Detroit Lions who has also spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants, had a solid season in Carolina, tying for the team lead in sacks (5.5) in 2024 and ranking 10th overall in run stops last season. Very little about him is flashy as a player, to be sure. His main talent is stopping the run, and he’s rarely shown much aptitude for rushing the passer, amassing just 18 sacks in his 10-year career.
That said, the Bears can still very much use a player like that, and he’ll likely come cheap whether they trade for him or sign him if he gets cut.
So, should they go for it?
Robinson doesn’t quite fit the mold for what a Dennis Allen defense usually wants out of its defensive tackles, as he’s not an exceptional athlete. That’s part of what did in Andrew Billings, whose production fell off dramatically under Allen after a couple of solid years in the Matt Eberflus area. As such, it’s hardly a no-brainer that Robinson makes sense for Chicago as a starter.
But if you’re bringing him on in an auxiliary role with other new additions, that could be sensible. After all, the Bears need all the help they can get. A 2027 late-round pick would be enough to get this done if Chicago wanted to swing a deal, and Robinson would likely make less than the $7.5 million average he’s getting now if he hits the open market. So it doesn’t preclude additional deals.
What’s more: signing Robinson, even if you still plan to draft an interior defender, removes the specter of an immediate need to force a defensive tackle or front player at No. 25. While there will certainly be DT options at the back end of the first round, the Bears ultimately must take the best possible player at that spot. They have too many areas of need, including offensive tackle, linebacker, and safety, to hone in on any one spot.
We just saw interior defender T’Vondre Sweat get traded from the Tennessee Titans to the New York Jets during the NFL Combine, so it’s likely conversations around Robinson are already happening. Let’s see if Ryan Poles and company have any interest.
And even if Robinson isn’t the answer, other options may come available that we may not expect. Buckle up.