Panthers Allow Veteran Defensive Lineman to Seek Trade

A'Shawn Robinson, a key part of Carolina's defensive line, could be on the move in 2026.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Carolina Panthers have given veteran defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson permission to seek a trade, according to reports. The 30-year-old has been a productive member of the Panthers' defensive line over the past two seasons, but the team is looking to create salary cap space and his departure could save them $10.5 million.

Why it matters

Robinson has been a consistent and impactful player for the Panthers, but with the team adding other defensive linemen in recent years, they may feel it's the right time to move on from the veteran and free up significant cap space.

The details

Robinson tied for the team lead in sacks (5.5) in 2024 and finished among the top 10 defensive linemen in run stops last season. However, the Panthers' defensive line rotation became more crowded in 2025 after they added Tershawn Wharton to a three-year, $54 million deal. Removing Robinson from the roster would save the team $10.5 million in cap space, with only $2.06 million in dead money.

  • Robinson turns 31 next month.
  • The Panthers are looking to make cap-creating moves in the 2026 offseason.

The players

A'Shawn Robinson

A 30-year-old defensive tackle who has been a productive member of the Carolina Panthers' defensive line over the past two seasons.

Tershawn Wharton

A defensive lineman the Panthers added to a three-year, $54 million deal in 2025, further crowding their defensive line rotation.

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What they’re saying

“The Carolina Panthers have given the agent for defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson permission to seek a trade.”

— Joseph Person, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

If the Panthers are unable to orchestrate a trade for Robinson, they may ultimately release him to save the $10.5 million in cap space.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Panthers' efforts to create salary cap flexibility this offseason, even if it means parting ways with a productive and reliable veteran like A'Shawn Robinson. It's a difficult but necessary decision as the team looks to reshape its roster and financial situation.