Former Panthers DL A'Shawn Robinson Signing with Rival Buccaneers

The recently-released defensive lineman is expected to join Tampa Bay on a one-year, $10 million deal.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:35pm

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According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson is set to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year, fully-guaranteed $10 million contract. The Carolina Panthers had recently released the 10-year veteran, saving $10.5 million in salary cap space.

Why it matters

This move sees a recently-released Panthers defender joining a division rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, potentially adding extra motivation and familiarity with his former team. It also highlights the Panthers' salary cap situation and their need to make tough roster decisions.

The details

Robinson started in 33 of his 34 games with the Panthers over the last two seasons, amassing 145 combined tackles, 8.0 sacks, 55 pressures, 65 stops, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and four passes defensed. The Panthers officially parted ways with the veteran on Tuesday, giving them much-needed salary cap space after recent agreements with other free agents.

  • The Panthers released A'Shawn Robinson on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Robinson is expected to sign with the Buccaneers on a one-year, $10 million deal.

The players

A'Shawn Robinson

A 10-year veteran defensive lineman who was recently released by the Carolina Panthers.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL Network insider who reported on Robinson's expected signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFC South division rival of the Carolina Panthers that is expected to sign A'Shawn Robinson.

Carolina Panthers

The NFL team that recently released veteran defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson.

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What they’re saying

“A recently-released Carolina Panthers defender may be seeking a bit of revenge.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network insider

What’s next

The Buccaneers are expected to officially sign A'Shawn Robinson to a one-year, $10 million contract in the coming days.

The takeaway

This move highlights the fluid nature of the NFL free agency period, with a recently-released player from one team quickly joining a division rival, potentially adding extra motivation and familiarity to the matchups between the two clubs.