NFL trade time: San Francisco gets running back help from Washington

NFL trade time: San Francisco gets running back help from Washington originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Washington Commanders have shipped running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, according to multiple reports.

Why Washington moved on from Robinson

Robinson was held out of Washington’s preseason matchup against Cincinnati earlier this week, a clear sign that his time with the team was ending. The Commanders had been shopping him for weeks and were prepared to release him if no deal came together. The move clears $3.3 million in salary cap space for Washington.

49ers land Brian Robinson Jr. in trade with Commanders

The decision was influenced by the team’s depth in the backfield. Head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury both said this summer that running back was one of the roster’s deepest positions. On Monday night, that depth was on display as Chris Rodriguez ripped off a 40-yard run and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt broke a 27-yard touchdown against Cincinnati’s starters. Veteran Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols also give the team reliable options.

What Robinson brings to San Francisco

For San Francisco, the trade is about filling an immediate need. Injuries have thinned the 49ers’ running back group, with rookie Jordan James sidelined for most of camp and Patrick Taylor Jr. landing on injured reserve. Backup Isaac Guerendo has also been banged up, leaving Christian McCaffrey as the only fully healthy option.

Robinson gives the 49ers a physical, downhill runner to complement McCaffrey’s versatility. In 41 career games with Washington, Robinson rushed for 2,329 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Last season was his best yet, finishing with 799 yards and eight scores.

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His story has been one of resilience since entering the league. Drafted in the third round in 2022, Robinson was shot during an attempted robbery just weeks before his rookie year began. After surgery and a lengthy recovery, he returned to play 12 games that season, running for 797 yards.

Now, the 25-year-old heads to San Francisco, where he is expected to provide depth and a physical edge to a backfield aiming to stay healthy through a long season.

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