The Washington Commanders have traded running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Sources confirmed to ESPN that the trade was made after Robinson did not play in Monday’s preseason game against Cincinnati, signaling the end of his relationship with the franchise. The team had planned to release him if they could not find a trade partner.
Washington wanted to move on from Robinson due to the depth coaches believed the team already possessed at running back. The Commanders will save $3.3 million in salary cap space thanks to this move.
The 49ers, however, see an opportunity to add much-needed depth at a position that has been affected by injuries. With rookie Jordan James out for most of camp and backup Isaac Guerendo also recovering from an injury, Robinson’s arrival will provide the team with a power element to their backfield.
Coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury had boasted about the improved depth at running back in the summer, signaling that parting ways with Robinson could be possible. The Commanders now have a mix of veterans like Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, as well as rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, to form their backfield.
Robinson’s journey began after he was shot in 2022, but he returned to play and has since accumulated 2,329 yards with the Commanders. His average of 4.1 yards per carry ranks him 40th among running backs, but his ability to gain rushing yards per game is notable.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46050509/sources-commanders-trading-brian-robinson-49ers-pick