Brian Robinson Jr., a critical part of the Washington Commanders’ impressive 2024 turnaround, delivered a career-high eight touchdowns on 182 rushing attempts. However, just one day before the Commanders face the New England Patriots in the preseason, reports have surfaced that Robinson is being actively shopped around the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL.
As the preseason window for trades closes rapidly, several teams appear particularly interested in acquiring the running back. Here are five clubs best positioned to sign Brian Robinson Jr. before the preseason concludes.
Top NFL Teams Likely to Acquire Brian Robinson Jr. Before Regular Season
Jacksonville Jaguars Seek Power Running Boost
The Jacksonville Jaguars have seen Travis Etienne’s production sharply decline in 2024 due to injuries, dropping from back-to-back thousand-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 to just 558 yards this year. With Etienne entering a contract year and likely to be replaced by Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville could benefit from reinforcing their backfield.
Brian Robinson Jr.’s physical style, standing 6’1” and weighing 225 pounds, would add much-needed toughness to the Jaguars’ backfield as they compete in a strong AFC South division.
San Francisco 49ers Need Depth Beyond McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey is expected to return for the 49ers, but he remains the focal point of the running game with uncertainty surrounding his post-injury form. Isaac Guerendo impressed as a rookie in limited action but cannot serve as the sole backup to McCaffrey.
Adding Robinson would provide vital depth and reliable production, helping stabilize the 49ers’ running back rotation amid health concerns.
Cleveland Browns Prepare for New Ground Game Chapter
With Nick Chubb no longer on the roster, the Cleveland Browns face a transition in their rushing attack for the 2025 season. Rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson appear set to compete for the lead back role, but the supporting cast is less certain.
Veteran backs Pierre Strong and Jerome Ford have yet to display breakout potential, creating a need for an experienced and dominant presence. Brian Robinson Jr. could fill that leadership void and elevate the Browns’ rushing group.
Dallas Cowboys Look to Upgrade RB Talent
The Dallas Cowboys’ running back depth has weakened after Rico Dowdle, who emerged with a 1,000-yard season in 2024, left to join the Carolina Panthers. Javonte Williams is currently scheduled to lead the backfield, though questions remain about his fit under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Robinson’s arrival would instantly make him the most skilled option, forcing owner Jerry Jones to consider a trade despite possible reluctance to empower a division rival.
Kansas City Chiefs Eye Backfield Reinforcement
The Kansas City Chiefs’ historically dominant rushing traditions have softened, contrasting with the era of Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Jamaal Charles, and Kareem Hunt. Isiah Pacheco was expected to revitalize the ground game but was limited by a leg injury in 2024, rushing only for 310 yards and one touchdown.
As Pacheco enters a contract year, the Chiefs’ leadership, including coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach, may see Robinson as the best avenue to strengthen a weak position before the season.
Implications of Potential Trades for Brian Robinson Jr.
Brian Robinson Jr.’s availability underscores a shift in the Commanders’ strategy shortly before the regular season. For interested teams, adding a proven, powerful back could address critical gaps and shape their ground attacks as playoff races intensify.
With the preseason nearing its close, these five franchises—Jacksonville, San Francisco, Cleveland, Dallas, and Kansas City—stand as front-runners to finalize a deal. Their decisions to pursue Robinson could have lasting impacts on roster construction and competitiveness in their respective divisions throughout 2024 and beyond.