The New York Jets don't usually look to Foxborough for favors. But when the linebacker depth chart started looking like a medical ward, Joe Douglas and the front office didn't have much of a choice. They needed a thumper. They needed someone who could run down a kickoff without overthinking it. So, they went ahead and did it. The Jets sign linebacker Mark Robinson off the New England Patriots’ practice squad, and honestly, it’s a move that says a lot more about the state of the Jets' defense than it does about Robinson himself.
It’s a classic AFC East "poach." Robinson was sitting there on the Patriots' practice squad, having already been elevated for the maximum three games allowed by NFL rules. New England was stuck. They either had to put him on the 53-man roster or risk losing him. The Jets, nursing a massive hole left by Quincy Williams' shoulder injury, decided to make the decision for them.
The Quincy Williams Void and Why Robinson Fits
Let’s be real for a second. You don’t just "replace" Quincy Williams. He’s the emotional heartbeat of that defense. When he went down in that heartbreaking 29-27 loss to the Buccaneers, the vibe changed instantly. Suddenly, the Jets were looking at a depth chart that featured a struggling Jamien Sherwood and a bunch of "who's that?" names.
Robinson isn't a superstar. He’s a former seventh-round pick out of Ole Miss who started his college career as a running back. Yeah, a running back. He spent time at Presbyterian and Southeast Missouri State before walking on at Ole Miss and realizing he’d rather hit people than get hit. That "downhill" mentality is exactly why the Jets sign linebacker Mark Robinson. He doesn't dance around blocks; he runs through them.
Breaking Down the Roster Shuffle
The logistics here are a bit of a headache. To make room for Robinson, the Jets had to move Quincy Williams and Marcelino McCrary-Ball to Injured Reserve. That's two key special teams contributors and one Pro Bowl-level starter gone in one afternoon. Robinson comes in with 41 games of NFL experience, mostly from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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- Height/Weight: 5'11", 235 lbs (He's a tank, basically).
- Experience: 4 starts, 48 career tackles, 3 forced fumbles.
- Special Teams: Over 600 career snaps in the "third phase."
What Most People Get Wrong About Mark Robinson
If you just look at his draft status (225th overall in 2022), you might think he's just a body. That's a mistake. In Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin loved this kid’s "relentless energy." He’s the kind of player who shows up on film because he’s always near the ball, even if he doesn't know exactly where he's supposed to be yet.
His biggest weakness? Pass coverage. It’s the elephant in the room. When he was at Ole Miss, scouts noted he’d often get lost in zone drops, staring at the quarterback while receivers buzzed right past him. The Jets' defensive scheme under Jeff Ulbrich demands a lot from linebackers in space. Robinson is going to have to learn—and learn fast—or teams like the Dolphins will pick him apart in the flats.
Honestly, though, the Jets didn't sign him to be a coverage specialist. They signed him because Jamien Sherwood was getting eaten alive. Quarterbacks were sporting a 141.7 passer rating when targeting Sherwood through the first three weeks of the 2025 season. Think about that. Every time a QB threw at Sherwood, it was like they were playing against a Hall of Famer. Robinson provides a different look—a more physical, "hit-first" approach that might at least make receivers think twice about coming across the middle.
The Patriots’ Perspective: A Missed Opportunity?
New England fans are probably a little annoyed right now. Robinson had played 50% of the Patriots' special teams snaps through the first three weeks. He had three tackles and was playing "valiantly," as some local reporters put it. With Mike Vrabel now running things in New England, you'd think a tough, gritty linebacker like Robinson would be a perfect fit.
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But the NFL is a numbers game. The Patriots were waiting for Jahlani Tavai to return from IR. They tried to "hide" Robinson on the practice squad, hoping no one would notice he was out of elevations. The Jets noticed. Now, the Patriots have an open roster spot and a hole on their kickoff coverage unit.
Life as an NFL Journeyman
It's worth noting how much of a whirlwind the last year has been for Robinson.
- August 2025: Waived by the Steelers (his original team).
- August 28, 2025: Joins the Patriots' practice squad.
- September 23, 2025: Jets sign linebacker Mark Robinson to the active roster.
It’s a brutal cycle. One day you’re learning a playbook in Foxborough, the next you’re moving to Jersey to play for their biggest rival. But for a guy who started as a walk-on running back, this is just another Tuesday.
What This Means for the Jets' Defense Moving Forward
So, what should fans expect? Don't expect him to be a savior. Expect him to play 20-25 snaps on special teams and maybe sub in for Sherwood on obvious rushing downs. He’s a "gap-filler." He’s there to make sure the opposing running back doesn't get to the third level untouched.
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The Jets are in a weird spot. They’ve got talent, but the injuries are starting to compound. If Robinson can come in and just be solid—no missed assignments, no blown coverages—that’s a win. He’s joined a linebacker room that currently features Francisco Mauigoa and Cam Jones. It’s a young, unproven group.
Actionable Insights for the Jets Defense:
- Simplify the reads: Robinson is at his best when he can see the ball and go get it. Complex "match" coverages might lead to big plays for the opponent.
- Leverage his Special Teams IQ: Robinson is a "pro" in the third phase. Use him to stabilize a unit that lost McCrary-Ball.
- Monitor the Sherwood/Robinson rotation: If Sherwood continues to struggle in coverage, the Jets might be forced to play more dime packages (6 defensive backs) to keep their linebackers out of impossible situations.
The Jets sign linebacker Mark Robinson not because he's a silver bullet, but because he's a necessary reinforcement. In a season that's already feeling like a rollercoaster, having a guy who knows how to hit someone is never a bad thing. He might not be the name on the back of everyone's jersey by December, but for a team trying to survive a brutal AFC East stretch, he's exactly what the doctor ordered.
Keep an eye on the Week 11 rematch when the Jets head to Foxborough. You can bet Robinson has that date circled on his calendar. There's nothing an NFL player loves more than showing their old team exactly what they're missing.
To track Robinson's impact, watch the "tackle for loss" stats and the Jets' kick return yardage allowed over the next three games. Those are the areas where a player like Robinson earns his paycheck. If those numbers improve, Joe Douglas will look like a genius for poaching a "practice squad stud" from a division rival. If not, the Jets will be right back at the drawing board, looking for the next man up in a long, grueling season.