In a surprising turn of events, the New England Patriots have bolstered their linebacker corps by signing Mark Robinson, a promising talent recently released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, to their practice squad. The move, reported just two days after the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline on August 31, 2025, marks a significant loss for the Steelers and a potential coup for the Patriots as they look to reshape their defense.
Robinson’s Rise in Pittsburgh
Selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 225th overall pick, Mark Robinson quickly made his mark in Pittsburgh. Known for his athleticism and tenacity, the young linebacker became a standout on special teams while also serving as a valuable depth piece in the Steelers’ defensive scheme. Over his tenure, Robinson showcased his ability to contribute in multiple facets, earning respect as a high-energy player with a knack for making plays.
Despite his contributions, the Steelers made the difficult decision to part ways with Robinson during their final roster cuts. The move was a surprise to many, given his consistent performance and versatility. Pittsburgh had hoped to retain him on their practice squad, but the Patriots moved swiftly to secure his services, ending any chance of a reunion.
A New Chapter in New England
Robinson now joins a Patriots linebacker unit that includes former Steelers standout Robert Spillane, who signed a three-year, $33 million deal with New England this offseason after a productive stint with the Las Vegas Raiders. Spillane’s familiarity with the Steelers’ system could ease Robinson’s transition, as the two share a similar hard-nosed playing style. The Patriots, under head coach Jerod Mayo, are clearly prioritizing physicality and depth at the linebacker position as they aim to compete in the competitive AFC East.
The addition of Robinson to the practice squad offers New England a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. At just 26 years old, Robinson has room to grow and could develop into a rotational player or even a future starter. His special teams prowess alone makes him a valuable asset, and the Patriots will likely look to harness his potential in both defensive and special teams roles.
Steelers Retain Talent, But Loss Stings
While the loss of Robinson is a blow, the Steelers mitigated some of the damage from their roster cuts by re-signing several talented players to their practice squad. Notably, fan-favorite cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. was brought back, much to the delight of Pittsburgh fans. Bishop, known for his playmaking ability in the secondary, is expected to continue developing and could see elevation to the active roster in the future.
However, Robinson’s departure leaves a gap in the Steelers’ linebacker depth and special teams units. His athletic profile and work ethic made him a favorite among coaches, and his absence will be felt as Pittsburgh navigates a challenging AFC North schedule.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For the Patriots, snagging Robinson represents a savvy move to bolster their roster with young, hungry talent. With Spillane anchoring the linebacker group and Robinson providing depth, New England is quietly building a formidable defensive front. The practice squad signing allows the Patriots to develop Robinson without immediate roster pressure, potentially grooming him for a larger role.
For the Steelers, the focus will shift to their retained practice squad players and the continued development of their linebacker corps, led by stars like T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen. While the loss of Robinson stings, Pittsburgh’s front office has shown a knack for finding and developing talent, and they’ll look to fill the void through their existing roster or future acquisitions.
As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, this move underscores the ever-shifting dynamics of the AFC. The Patriots’ gain is the Steelers’ loss, and all eyes will be on Mark Robinson to see if he can translate his potential into impact in New England.