Dominique Robinson came into the NFL as a 5th round pick for the Chicago Bears in 2022. While considerably inexperienced as an edge rusher, many felt he had all the tools necessary to become a force. He was big, long, and athletic. All he needed was time to learn. He got off to a great start, collecting 1.5 sacks in his debut. Since then, however, he's done almost nothing. Others have supplanted him in the pass rush rotation, including Austin Booker, another 5th round pick.
Most believe Robinson is a lost cause at this point. If you can't find your footing by the third season, it usually means you have nothing to offer. Yet that hasn't stopped other teams from exploring the idea of trading for him. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN confirmed this in his recent column. Robinson is generating some interest around the league from teams needing more depth. Three were even mentioned as possible landing spots to watch in the next two weeks.
"The Bears are also weighing trade options with pass rusher Dominique Robinson, who could use a fresh start elsewhere. Teams such as the Cowboys, Cardinals and Commanders are short-handed at pass rusher."
Getting anything for Dominique Robinson would be a win.
Let's be honest. The guy hasn't done much of anything in three years. If the Bears even get a future 7th round pick out of the deal, they can count that as a victory. Dallas lost Demarcus Lawrence to injured reserve and has struggled to apply consistent pressure since. Arizona's pass rush has been underachieving all year. Washington just lost Jonathan Allen to an injury as well. It is easy to see why those teams might be able to talk themselves into a young, promising talent like Dominique Robinson.
The Bears know better at this point. If Matt Eberflus and Eric Washington couldn't get anything out of him at this point, then he's a lost cause. While unfortunate, it is another reminder that not all draft picks end up working out. In truth, the majority of them don't. The draft is much like batting in professional baseball. You're probably doing pretty well if you hit on around a third of your picks each year. Robinson has become one of those inevitable strikeouts.
