The Washington Commanders have agreed to trade running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, sources confirmed. The move comes just weeks before the season opener and reshapes the team’s rushing corps.
Robinson was expected to be the starting running back for the third consecutive season, but the team had quietly expressed interest in trading him to other franchises last year. However, coach Dan Quinn told the team that Robinson would not play in Monday night’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, citing “moving parts” and a need to maintain transparency.
The decision was not financially driven, as Robinson was in his final year of rookie contract and would have been a minimal drain on the team’s cap space. Instead, it was more about finding an offensive fit with emerging talent on the roster. The Commanders’ new running backs include veterans Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, along with young players Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
The 49ers, who had previously expressed interest in Robinson before the 2022 draft, now gain a powerful back who can run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. Robinson’s hands were underrated coming out of college, but he has excelled as a pass-catcher for the Commanders.
The trade gives the 49ers’ running back room a boost, particularly with the injury-plagued history of their current players. With Brian Robinson on board, the team can provide protection in case other injuries occur. The move is also seen as an opportunity for Washington to develop its younger talent and add depth to the roster via waivers or free agency.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6564755/2025/08/22/brian-robinson-commanders-49ers-trade