Washington Commanders may be saying goodbye sooner rather than later to starting tailback Brian Robinson Jr. The Commanders, as per NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo, are presently shopping Robinson around the trade market and being extremely considerate of Robinson’s body as they get ready to make the roster adjustment.
Robinson, who had a career-high 799 yards and eight touchdowns last year, skipped the preseason opener against Cincinnati Bengals as his and the team’s minds are made up regarding his future. His nonparticipation, it is said, was mutually agreed on as Washington wouldn’t want to take unnecessary injury that would upset a trade before cutting the roster.
The Commanders’ move comes while the roster peers into the future at the position. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has impressed in camp, and Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are competing also for broader roles. Robinson hits free agency in March, and the front office does seem keen on sending him packing now and receiving first-round picks in return instead of him walking away with nothing.
Mock Trade Destinations for Brian Robinson Jr.
If Washington does pull the trigger, these are five plausible trade destinations for Robinson Jr:
New Orleans Saints
The Saints ran Alvin Kamara heavily the past couple of years, but they haven’t had depth. They haven’t been able to rely on Jamaal Williams, and Kendre Miller hasn’t been pushed very hard. Adding Robinson to the roster would provide New Orleans with a downhill, run-heavy back that can be used compliments of Kamara’s versatility. A mid-round pick should be able to do this.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are always searching for steady running back depth behind Patrick Mahomes. Isiah Pacheco has been steady, but injuries haven’t made the backs, the unit as a whole, very steady. Robinson’s bruiser mentality would provide Kansas City’s offense with something it hasn’t had since the Kareem Hunt days. The Chiefs are always “win now,” and they might be incentivized, therefore, to trade a fourth-round pick or better for Robinson.
Houston Texans
The Texans’ offense still has work in C.J. Stroud, and the running back is still a work in progress. Dameon Pierce had flashes, but he fell off in 2023, Mixon who is good when healthy but he is already dealing with injuries and the recent key signing Nick Chubb but he is coming off injuries as well. Robinson would be an insertional workhorse on a roster trying to make the playoffs, rounding out the offense. A conditional fifth-round pick makes sense.
Chicago Bears
The Bears spent an offseason on D’Andre Swift but don’t really have depth behind him. They are constructing their offense around Caleb Williams and need a real second option to prevent the rookie quarterback from falling into deep passing situations. Robinson is that man, and the Bears do have the draft capital needed.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys last legit RB1 after Zeke ended his prime was Tony Pollard, but his departure has left a void in the rotation, and the Cowboys would be well-served to fill it with Robinson. However, trading in the NFC East will not come cheap. The Commanders would possess what is known as an “in-division tax,” so Dallas would have to pay over the odds — maybe a third-round pick or multiple late-round picks — to convince Washington to trade with a division foe.
What’s Next?
The Commanders seem set to acquire a cheaper, younger backfield and capitalize on Robinson’s trade value before his contract runs out. With a number of playoff hopefuls lacking running backs on hand, it may not be long before a trade emerges prior to end-of-season cuts. For Robinson, it might translate to playing in a better setting, where he receives more stability and more playing time, and Washington retooling its roster again down the line.