The Commanders trade RB Brian Robinson Jr. to the 49ers. Explore how Washington’s RB depth chart reshapes with Ekeler and Croskey-Merritt, and Robinson now backs up McCaffrey in San Francisco.
Breaking News: Brian Robinson Jr. Traded to 49ers
Washington has officially traded their veteran running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick, with the Commanders covering part of his $3.4 million salary. Reports suggest his absence from a recent preseason game was part of a mutual agreement leading up to the trade.
What Robinson Brings and What’s Next in San Francisco
At 26, Robinson offers reliable two-down production and goal-line effectiveness. In 2024, he posted career highs with 799 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, and averaged 4.4 yards per carry, ranking among the league’s most productive backs. He’ll now join Kyle Shanahan’s offense as the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey, who’s returning from multiple injuries. The 49ers’ depth has been hit hard, with rookies and backups sidelined by injuries, making Robinson a vital addition.
Commanders’ Running Back Room: Recalibrating the Depth Chart
With Robinson gone, Austin Ekeler is now the presumptive lead back. Returning players Chris Rodriguez Jr. and rookie Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick, are next in line. Croskey-Merritt impressed during training camp and may push for significant snaps this season. Veteran Jeremy McNichols and multi-threat Deebo Samuel could continue to contribute in specialized roles.
Robinson’s Washington Journey: Resilient Contributor
Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Robinson’s career began with a dramatic and moving comeback—he was shot during a carjacking in rookie training camp and returned just weeks later to play. Over 39 starts, he’s accumulated 2,329 rushing yards, 15 TDs, and contributed as a receiver with 65 catches for nearly 600 yards and 5 receiving TDs. His hard-nosed running and injury resilience made him a fan favorite in D.C.
Strategic Context: Why the Commanders Pulled the Trigger
Multiple factors converged on this decision:
- Roster Transition: Washington’s drafting of Croskey-Merritt and the acquisition of Ekeler shifted Robinson down the pecking order.
- Cap Relief & Efficiency: Trading him while covering part of his salary saves money and gains draft capital.
- Clear Signal: Robinson’s absence from practice and the preseason finale hinted at a mutual separation.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have aggressively reshaped their offense—previously trading away Deebo Samuel and now reinforcing the backfield amid cascading injuries. Robinson gives them tested depth behind McCaffrey.
Quick Depth Chart Snapshot
Washington Commanders RB Depth (Post-Trade)
- Austin Ekeler (lead back)
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. (ascending)
- Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt (rookie challenger)
- Jeremy McNichols (veteran role player)
- Deebo Samuel (versatile offensive weapon)
San Francisco 49ers RB Depth
- Christian McCaffrey (starter)
- Brian Robinson Jr. (power backup)
- Isaac Guerendo
- Ke’Shawn Vaughn
- Others (IR: Jordan James, Corey Kiner, Patrick Taylor Jr.)
What’s Next for Both Teams
- For Robinson: A fresh start in a Shanahan system that maximizes backfield rotation—he could shine in short-yardage and third-down situations, with potential for an expanded role if McCaffrey misses time.
- For Washington: Ekeler’s durability will be tested, Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt must step up, and offensive flexibility may rely more on Samuel’s dual-threat capability.