ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders are gauging trade interest in running back Brian Robinson Jr., according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who reported the team has “been shopping” the 26-year-old to clubs around the league.
Sources: The #Commanders have been shopping RB Brian Robinson Jr. to teams around the NFL.
The former 3rd-round pick out of Alabama is entering the final year of his contract. pic.twitter.com/WKB21BVBZp
The move comes on the heels of Robinson’s most productive year. The former Alabama standout logged 187 carries for 799 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt. Drafted in the third round in 2022, he’s been Washington’s primary downhill option the past two years.
But this discussion looks less about production and more about fit. In his second season as offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury is leaning further into an identity built on tempo, spacing, and backs who can make plays on the perimeter and in the passing game. That shift was underscored by the 2024 offseason addition of veteran Austin Ekeler, a reliable receiving option out of the backfield.
Depth also plays into the calculus. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has impressed throughout training camp, and his emergence adds another versatile piece alongside Ekeler and third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. With multiple options, the Commanders may feel comfortable exploring Robinson’s market.
The likely return, however, won’t be significant. At best, Washington might recoup a late-round pick, a sixth or so, while saving just under $4 million against the salary cap. Robinson has also struggled at times to stay healthy and has been inconsistent as a producer since arriving, factors that limit his value. This isn’t a move made to stockpile draft capital; it’s about reshaping the roster.
Still, there’s risk. If no trade develops, the team risks some awkwardness after shopping a player who’s carried much of its inside rushing load. And if Robinson is moved, Washington parts with its only proven power back, the kind of runner who can matter in short-yardage, red-zone, or late-game situations.
Ultimately, the trade talks are less a referendum on Robinson’s ability than a statement of direction. Kingsbury’s vision favors quickness, misdirection, and multi-dimensional threats. Robinson doesn’t fit that mold as cleanly, and Washington seems intent on committing to the new blueprint, even if it means moving on from its most traditional runner.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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