
#56 DE · Arizona Cardinals
Height
6'5"
Weight
285 lbs
Age
24
College
Missouri
Draft
2024, Rd 1, #27
Experience
2 yrs
DE Rank
#38 / 161
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Sacks | Tkl | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 21 | 2.0 | 53 | 7.5 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 15 | 1.0 | 43 | 5.5 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 6 | 1.0 | 10 | 2 |
Length
4 years
Total Value
$13.9M
Guaranteed
$13.9M
AAV
$3.5M/yr
The Cardinals struck solid value with Robinson's $3.5M AAV deal, landing a serviceable starter at a price point that reflects smart roster building rather than headline-grabbing moves. While Robinson profiles as a steady but unspectacular edge presence, his contract sits comfortably below the premium tier where teams often overpay for pass rush production, giving Arizona flexibility to allocate resources elsewhere along their defensive front. As a younger player still developing his craft, the four-year structure provides runway for growth while the full guarantee protects both sides—Robinson gets security while the Cardinals avoid the risk of dead money if he plateaus. The $13.9M total commitment won't handcuff Arizona's salary cap, but it also won't move the needle if Robinson doesn't elevate his game beyond his current serviceable starter tier. This B CVI reflects exactly what it should: a competent, low-risk signing that fills a roster spot without breaking the bank or creating unrealistic expectations for a transformative defensive impact.
Darius Robinson earns a C- for the Cardinals at defensive end, a first-round rookie who has shown the flashes of disruption that made him a top pick. Robinson has the physical tools to be a dominant edge defender — his combination of size, speed, and power is rare. The consistency has been the issue, as he alternates between dominant reps and quiet stretches. Arizona is developing him as a cornerstone of their defensive front, and the early returns are mixed but encouraging. If Robinson can put together sustained stretches of dominance, his ceiling is legitimately elite.
Darius Robinson carries a B- sentiment grade heading into his third NFL season, reflecting the cautious optimism that surrounds the Cardinals' 2023 first-round defensive end. Despite flashing the athletic tools that warranted his first-round selection, Robinson has managed just two career sacks through his first two seasons, creating a disconnect between expectations and production. The media narrative frames this as a pivotal year for the former Missouri standout, with beat writers emphasizing the need for Robinson to translate his college dominance into consistent NFL impact. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has publicly backed Robinson's development, suggesting organizational patience despite the underwhelming statistical output that has tempered fan enthusiasm. Robinson finds himself at a crossroads where his natural ability remains evident, but the window for proving he belongs as a franchise-caliber pass rusher is narrowing. The B- grade captures this mixed sentiment perfectly — neither panic nor praise, but rather measured expectations for a player who must capitalize on what many consider a make-or-break season in the desert.
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Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
D-
2025
(50% weight)
D
2024
(30% weight)