The Carolina Panthers are seemingly set to part ways with one of their top defenders in the coming days. But can they find him a new home before the start of the new league year?
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the team has granted defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson to seek to a trade. Carolina may be poised to move on from the soon-to-be 11th-year veteran, whose departure would clear up $10.5 million in salary cap space.
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So, which teams could have interest in making a deal with the Panthers before a possible release?
Here are four potential trade suitors for Robinson:
Perhaps the ever-active Carolina-to-Buffalo pipeline is an option.
The Bills were amongst the easiest teams to run on in 2025, as they allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game (136.2) and the third-most rushing yards per carry (5.1). They also have three defensive linemen—starter DaQuan Jones, Jordan Phillips and Larry Ogunjobi—hitting free agency.
Like Buffalo, Chicago is another top contender that needs to tighten up their run defense for 2026.
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This past season saw the Bears relinquish the sixth-most rushing yards per contest (134.5) and the fourth-most yards per attempt (5.0).
Speaking of little resistance, the Bengals defense has been quite soft over the past few campaigns. In 2025, Cincinnati allowed the most rushing yards per game (147.1) and the second-most yards per carry (5.2).
They might be able to jump into playoff contention by adding a few solid pieces on defense, particularly along their front seven.
Detroit selected Robinson back in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Will he make a return?
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Maybe, as the Lions—who might lose starting defensive tackle D.J. Reader to the open market—could stand to upgrade their trench.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL offseason: Possible trade suitors for Panthers DL A’Shawn Robinson