On Friday, the Washington Commanders moved on from running back Brian Robinson Jr. The Commanders traded Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 sixth round draft choice. Robinson Jr. was the longest tenured running back on the Commanders’ roster and was entering the final year of the four year, $5 million dollar contract he signed in 2022 as a rookie. He was set to earn a base salary of $3.4 million for the 2025 season before the trade. Considering that Robinson Jr. has been Washington’s featured running back since his rookie season, it can be reasoned that his experience would have proved invaluable to Washington.
However, that isn’t the case. In fact, Robinson’s exit from Washington could have been predicted last season. The Commanders signed veteran running back Austin Ekeler before the start of the 2024 season after spending his first seven seasons as a featured back with the Los Angeles Chargers. While Robinson and Ekeler are both efficient running between the tackles, Ekeler is extremely efficient as a pass receiver. That makes him especially invaluable to quarterback Jayden Daniels, as Ekeler becomes another effective target to throw the ball to.
But the main reason for Robinson’s departure focuses on the depth Washington has at the running back position. The Commanders believe second year running back Chris Rodriguez and rookie running back Bill Croskey-Merritt are capable of filling the void left by Robinson Jr’s departure. Rodriguez has made the most of his opportunities despite limited duty in the NFL. He has 86 carries for 420 yards and four touchdowns (almost a five yard average per carry) during his two years in Washington. Croskey-Merritt, a seventh round selection in the 2025 NFL draft, has impressed the Commanders’ coaching staff with his speed and playmaking ability. Croskey-Merritt scored on a 27 yard run during Washington’s 31-17 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It was an exciting run off right tackle that say Commanders’ offensive lineman Andrew Wylie thrust his arm in the air to commemorate Croskey-Merritt’s breakaway run.
As of this writing, it’s unknown who will be the Commanders’ featured running back. Ekeler, Rodriguez, and Croskey- Merritt could be utilized in a running back by committee platoon which could see each get an equal number of carries. Implementing a three running back platoon could keep each man fresh. Veteran running backs Jeremy McNichols, Kazmeir Allen, and Demetric Felton will also get consideration to make the final roster.
And to further support Washington’s running game are Daniels and newly acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Daniels was actually the Commanders’ leading rusher in 2024, rushing for 891 yards. Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has stated he will utilize Samuel as a running back this season, capitalizing on the versatility Samuel displayed as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
Commanders’ fans are grateful for the positive contribution Robinson Jr. has given to the organization. However, the NFL is a league that is constantly evolving. And the Commanders believe that trading Robinson was their way of transforming their offense from four yards and a cloud of dust to a multifaceted running game. Washington wants to see if their combination of veteran leadership (Ekeler) and upstart talent (Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt) will be sufficient enough to maintain the offense’s positive momentum. If they are, that will make the Commanders’ offense even more dangerous.