Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: LB Curtis Robinson

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 17: Curtis Robinson #59 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty I

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What is the story about?

Curtis Robinson had a mostly unheralded arrival in Dallas, overshadowed by the aftermath of the 2026 draft, rookie free agent news, and the Cowboys’ trade for his teammate Dee Winters just days earlier. But with much-needed experience at a thin position, Robinson has a great shot at making the roster and playing meaningful snaps this season.

Background

Years in NFL: 5
Acquired by: Free agency (2026)

After going undrafted in 2021, Robinson signed with the Broncos. He started the season on their practice squad

but got called up for three games, playing mostly on special teams but also getting time at linebacker. After being released by Denver in late November, he was quickly added to the 49ers’ practice squad and was activated for three games to close the year, getting all of his snaps on special teams.

From 2022-2024, Robinson kept hanging around San Francisco for his special teams work. He only played three games in each of those seasons, sometimes due to an injury or just from the three-game limit of being called up from the practice squad. Robinson might’ve seen more action in 2024 as a member of the 53-man roster, but a late-September ACL injury cut his season short.

He returned in 2025 to a more active role. Robinson appeared in 14 games, starting three, and saw regular time on defense while also being a key special teamer. The three starts put him alongside Winters, who the Cowboys traded for on Friday evening of the draft. Two days after the draft ended, it was announced that Robinson had signed with Dallas as a free agent.

One more notable thing about Robinson: for the last two years, he was the 49ers’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Contract Status

Years Left: 1
2026 Cap Hit: $1.08 million

If Robinson just makes the roster, let alone plays a significant role in the LB rotation, it will be at a steal with his minimal, non-guaranteed contract.

2026 Projections

Role: Backup LB
Roster Chance: 60%

Unlike some positions in this year’s training camp, inside linebacker isn’t overflowing with candidates. You have three sure things in Winters, DeMarvion Overshown, and rookie Jaishawn Barham. But then there are just four more guys vying for the last roster spots: Robinson, Shemar James, Justin Barron, and UDFA Langston Patterson. Unless there are any veteran free agents added over the next few weeks, there’s not a lot in Robinson’s way.

He brings the most overall experience to the party, albeit with limited defensive reps. In fact, James’ 554 snaps at linebacker as a rookie are nearly double the 335 that Robinson’s played in his entire career. But five years of going through camps, practices, meetings, and supporting teammates in other ways, plus plenty of time spent with a new key member of the group in Winters, still gives Robinson value.

Given his minimal contract, Robinson may be nothing more than veteran insurance against injury, which is especially important until Overshown proves he can stay on the field. As long as Barham and James show competence as younger players, Robinson may not stick around. Some other roster candidates like OLB Marist Liufau and S Markquese Bell have the potential to be emergency depth at ILB, which could allow Dallas to go short there.

Still, after a year where he ascended in role and responsibility in San Francisco, Robinson should not be ignored among this year’s LB contenders. He brings a different sort of value to the locker room, and has already proven to be a reliable special teams player over the last five seasons. Those will work heavily in his favor in this year’s camp.

Check out our previous player profiles from this series: