The Pittsburgh Steelers are well aware that Cam Heyward's illustrious career won't last forever. As Heyward approaches his 37th year and 16th NFL season, he's made it clear he's not hanging up his cleats just yet. However, with young talents like Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black on the rise, Mike McCarthy's squad could benefit from adding another seasoned presence to their defensive line.
Enter A’Shawn Robinson, a veteran defensive tackle who just hit the free-agent market. The Carolina Panthers released Robinson, creating an opportunity for teams in need of defensive fortitude.
Interestingly, the Steelers had their eye on Robinson back in 2016 during the pre-draft process. At that time, the decision-makers were former GM Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin.
Robinson, soon to be 31, has spent the last two seasons with the Panthers, where he started 32 games. His tenure in Charlotte saw him amass 65 tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery.
Originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Robinson's journey began after a standout career at Alabama. He spent four years with the Lions before stints with the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 320 pounds, Robinson has built a solid NFL career with 15 sacks and 500 total tackles over ten seasons. Last year, Pro Football Focus rated him with a 63.7 defensive grade, showcasing his continued ability to contribute effectively on the field.