The Washington Commanders are currently dealing with a packed running back roster that includes Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and newly added rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. This depth has created uncertainty around Robinson’s place on the team ahead of the regular season, sparking ongoing Brian Robinson Jr trade rumors. The team’s crowded backfield and the emergence of Croskey-Merritt have put Robinson’s roster spot in jeopardy as they look to optimize their running back options.
Trade Talks and Preseason Absence Raise Doubts
Reports surfaced that the Commanders are actively shopping Robinson around the league while local beat reporter Ben Standig suggested Robinson is unlikely to secure a position on the final roster. Adding to the speculation, Robinson has been held out of Washington’s Monday night preseason game in a mutual agreement with the team, indicating that a trade or outright release could be imminent.
Rookie Croskey-Merritt’s Impressive Camp Performance
Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has garnered significant praise during training camp, raising his profile as a dynamic offensive option. Although limited by eligibility restrictions to just one game last season, Croskey-Merritt’s college track record is notable. He rushed for 1,164 yards with 13 touchdowns at Alabama State, followed by 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns at New Mexico. In his brief stint at Arizona last year, the rookie produced 106 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries, displaying the explosiveness that has caught the Commanders’ attention.
The Diminishing Role of Robinson in Washington’s Backfield
With Austin Ekeler primarily handling third-down and late-game passing situations, Robinson’s duties were expected to focus on early downs. However, Robinson is in the final year of his rookie contract, while Croskey-Merritt is beginning his own rookie deal. The team appears inclined to lean toward the rookie, who has demonstrated more explosive potential during college than Robinson has shown in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL.
Robinson’s Performance and Efficiency Concerns
Robinson has averaged just 4.1 yards per carry over his three NFL seasons, peaking at 4.3 yards last year, which falls below league average for running backs. This is particularly problematic given the presence of an elite rushing threat at quarterback in Jayden Daniels, who contributes explosiveness to the offense. Robinson’s gains are mostly steady but uninspiring; he recorded only 6.4% of his carries as explosive runs (gains of 12-plus yards) last season, ranking 35th out of the 46 running backs who qualified according to Tru Media. This underwhelming level of efficiency weakens his case for a prominent role.
Limited Trade Options for Robinson in the NFL
Finding a trade partner for Robinson may prove challenging, as teams currently in need of running back support do not strongly align with his skills or contract situation. The Dallas Cowboys, for example, already possess Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, in addition to drafting Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah for specific backfield roles. Similarly, the Houston Texans have Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, and recently added Woody Marks, limiting their interest.
Other Teams’ Running Back Depth Reduces Demand
Other potential suitors such as the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already added or retained running backs with skill sets similar to or exceeding Robinson’s capabilities. Miami drafted Ollie Gordon II, Cincinnati acquired Tahj Brooks behind Chase Brown, Denver signed J.K. Dobbins alongside RJ Harvey, Chicago relies on Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai with D’Andre Swift, and Tampa Bay continues to emphasize Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, and Bucky Irving.
Possibilities and Limitations for Potential Trade Partners
Two teams stand out as possible fits but remain unlikely to expend significant draft capital to acquire Robinson. The Los Angeles Chargers might seek additional depth if Najee Harris is sidelined, but since they invested a first-round pick in rookie Omarion Hampton, they are unlikely to add a short-term option like Robinson. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints lack a clear complement to Alvin Kamara but are currently in a rebuilding stage that requires them to conserve draft assets rather than trade them away.
Potential Release and Wider Free Agency Opportunities
If the Commanders are unable to secure a trade, releasing Robinson may be the next step. Under this scenario, he would become a free agent open to signing with any team, should he clear waivers. This status could widen the range of possible landing spots, offering Robinson more flexibility to find a roster opportunity outside the currently limited trade market.