Steelers A to Z: Special teams skills could help Mark Robinson stick on 53-man roster
Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2025 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 12 and July 23. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.
ILB MARK ROBINSON
Experience/age: Fourth season, turns 26 in August
Contract status: $1,128,089 cap hit if he makes the team, will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
The past: At one time, it looked like Robinson had a future at inside linebacker. He started the final two games of his rookie season — against division rivals Baltimore and Cleveland — and appeared to be in line for a larger role in 2023.
The Steelers, though, brought in Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts and Kwon Alexander that year, and they added Patrick Queen to the mix in 2024. Robinson not only didn’t start any games in his third NFL season, he played just eight snaps on defense.
The organization clearly views the former seventh-round draft pick and converted running back as an integral part of the special teams. Robinson was a core special teams player last season when he forced two fumbles and had five tackles.
Would like to thank Mark Robinson for this angle/pursuit on the opening kickoff. Pretty sure his tackle saved a TD.
Dallas focused on doubling Killebrew and did great job taking him out of his gap...and to the sideline. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/AkteLzyrHQ
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) October 12, 2024
2025 outlook: Robinson will be a free agent in the spring, making this potentially his last ride with the Steelers. First, he must make the roster out of the preseason.
The Steelers added inside linebacker Carson Bruener in the seventh round of this year’s draft, and his inclusion could squeeze Robinson out of a roster spot. Malik Harrison, signed in free agency, also has the ability to play inside, which could weigh against Robinson.
Robinson’s best hope is to continue to thrive on special teams in the preseason and force the Steelers to keep him on the 53-man roster.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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