In a significant move that reshapes the Washington Commanders rushing corps just weeks before the highly anticipated season opener, the team has agreed to trade running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, according to league sources. This trade, however, is pending and will only be finalized once Robinson passes his physical examination.
Initially presumed to be the starter for a third consecutive season, Robinson's position became uncertain as the Commanders indicated their willingness to explore trade options. An AFC executive revealed that Washington had quietly communicated to other franchises about their openness to moving on from Robinson last year. Reports surfaced last Sunday confirming that the team was still seeking to trade him, leading to a meeting between coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters with Robinson. During this meeting, they informed him that he would not participate in Monday night’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Robinson's absence from the game at Northwest Stadium and his subsequent excusal from practice this week marked an unceremonious end to his three-year tenure with the Commanders. "There are a lot of moving parts," Quinn stated on Monday night. "This time of year, those things take place. It’s my responsibility to keep the team informed."
The decision to trade Robinson was not driven by financial constraints. As he is in the final year of his rookie contract, the Commanders will incur a minimal dead money charge of just $212,255 from his prorated bonus while saving $3.41 million in cap space. The primary motivation behind this move was to enhance the offensive fit and to capitalize on the emerging talent within the roster.
Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders are focusing on versatile and explosive backs capable of running between the tackles and catching passes out of the backfield. The remaining roster features veterans Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, along with promising young talents like Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr.. Additionally, Demetric Felton and Kazmeir Allen are in a competitive battle for roster spots ahead of the final cuts next week.
Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick in this year’s draft, has impressed throughout training camp with his vision and decisiveness. He showcased his skills with a standout 27-yard touchdown run against the Bengals. Rodriguez also had a notable preseason performance, leading the Commanders with 62 rushing yards, including a significant 40-yard run.
Throughout his three seasons with the Commanders, Robinson consistently led the team’s running backs in rushing, accumulating a total of 2,329 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns on 570 carries. His journey was marked by resilience, overcoming a traumatic incident two weeks before his rookie season when he was shot during an armed robbery, leading to multiple surgeries. Despite facing various injuries, Robinson’s powerful running style often saw him carrying defenders for extra yards.
However, as the Commanders struggled to maintain a productive rushing attack late in the 2024 season, the burden increasingly fell on quarterback Jayden Daniels to lead the offense. Consequently, reconfiguring the running back group became a strategic necessity for the team.
The 49ers had shown interest in Robinson prior to the 2022 draft, even hosting him on an official visit. Unlike the one-cut-and-go style runners like Christian McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo, Robinson is a power runner, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, making him the largest tailback on the 49ers' roster. This aspect of his game compares him to former 49er Jordan Mason, who was traded away earlier this season.
Robinson’s receiving skills, which may have been underrated coming out of college, will be an asset for the 49ers. He recorded 36 receptions for 368 yards in 2023, showcasing his ability to contribute as a pass catcher. Additionally, his shared experience with Ricky Pearsall, who also faced a similar traumatic incident during his rookie year, might provide valuable camaraderie in the locker room.
The 49ers were solidifying their top two tailback spots with McCaffrey and Guerendo, but the third position was uncertain until the Robinson trade. The team faced significant injuries during their preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, losing both Patrick Taylor Jr. (shoulder) and Corey Kiner (high ankle). Furthermore, rookie Jordan James is recovering from a broken pinkie, adding to the uncertainty for Week 1 in Seattle. With the absence of key players like Deebo Samuel, the addition of Robinson provides necessary depth and security in the event of further injuries this season.
In summary, the trade of Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers marks a pivotal moment for both the Washington Commanders and Robinson himself, as he embarks on a new chapter in his professional career while the Commanders look to develop their younger talent for future success.
