The Washington Commanders are beginning to figure out what their 53-man roster will look like heading into the 2025 campaign. One guy who did not end up finding his way into the team’s plans was running back Brian Robinson Jr., as he ended up getting traded to the San Francisco 49ers last week.
With Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. also featuring in Washington’s running back room, Robinson became expendable to the only team he has played for in the NFL. However, one team’s trash is another team’s treasure, and after picking him up in this trade, San Francisco’s head coach, Kyle Shanahan, revealed how he plans on using Robinson.
How Will 49ers Use Brian Robinson Jr. After Commanders Trade?
Robinson was selected by the Commanders in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but his debut in the pros was put on hold after he was shot in the knee and glute in an armed robbery right before the start of his rookie campaign. Robinson would make a triumphant return in Week 5, and he eventually cemented himself as the team’s starting running back.
Despite earning that label, Robinson’s place atop Washington’s running back depth chart never seemed to be very stable. Ekeler, McNichols, and Rodriguez all contributed out of the backfield last season, and Jayden Daniels immediately established himself as one of the top mobile quarterbacks in the league. With Robinson set to need a new contract after the 2025 campaign, that was a deal the Commanders decided they didn’t want to pay.
With the 49ers looking for running back depth, they swooped in and picked up Robinson from Washington. However, they already have a superstar running back in Christian McCaffrey, so some folks were confused by the move. When asked about Robinson’s role, Shanahan made it clear what the team will be looking for from him.
“We brought him here to be our two back,” Shanahan said when asked by reporters. “I’ve always been a big fan of Brian. Loved him coming out of college. He’s done really well going against him, and we were pumped that he was available, and we were pumped that we were able to get him.”
Commanders Set to Employ Running Back Committee After Brian Robinson Jr. Trade
Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty ImagesLANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: Brian Robinson Jr. #8 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball in the first quarter of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
In 2024, Robinson racked up 799 yards and eight touchdowns on 187 carries, so the Commanders will have some production to fill out of the backfield. However, as noted above, they have a slew of guys who can help them fill his void. Ekeler will remain the team’s passing back, while Croskey-Merrit, McNichols, and Rodriguez will likely split the rest of the duties to begin the season.
With Daniels also contributing on the ground, that should help create running lanes for whoever ends up carrying the ball. Robinson’s departure certainly leaves a bit of a hole in the running back room for Washington, but if things go according to plan, they won’t skip a beat on offense in 2025. Meanwhile, you can bet fans will keep tabs on Robinson now that he’s with the Niners to see how productive he ends up being for them.
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