The Washington Commanders have finalized a trade sending running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round pick, according to insider Jordan Schultz. This move comes after Robinson lost his starting role in Washington’s training camp to rookie Jacorey Croskey-Merrit, prompting both teams to seek better fits for their respective players.
Opportunity for Robinson and the 49ers’ Backfield Dynamics
Robinson’s transition to the 49ers presents an opportunity for him to revitalize his career under a coaching staff led by Kyle Shanahan, who is known for elevating running backs’ performances. As Robinson enters a contract year, this fresh start could prove crucial. Meanwhile, the Commanders can focus on developing Croskey-Merrit, who now assumes a larger role within their offense.
Robinson had been expected to break out in 2024 alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels, but an injury-filled season and poor offensive line performance limited his impact. Now, as a member of a committee supporting star running back Christian McCaffrey, Robinson will face new competition but also fresh possibilities.
Current 49ers Running Back Depth and Competition for Backup Role
San Francisco’s running back group includes Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James, Patrick Taylor Jr., and of course Christian McCaffrey. Injuries have affected some of these players: James has missed most of camp with an injury, and Taylor is on injured reserve. Guerendo only recently returned from a shoulder injury after missing significant practice time.
With Guerendo back, a battle likely will ensue between him and Robinson for the second-string position behind McCaffrey. However, Kyle Shanahan’s track record indicates that Robinson might have the edge so far.
Evaluating Isaac Guerendo’s Strengths and Weaknesses
While Guerendo possesses strong athletic traits—the running back posted an impressive 9.90 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) at the 2024 NFL Combine, ranking 20th among over 1,900 running backs evaluated between 1987 and 2024—his on-field vision remains a noted concern. Pro Football Focus data ranks him third in rushes exceeding 15 yards among 2024 draft prospects, but his inconsistency has limited his ability to perform reliably every down.
This is why Guerendo isn’t going to be the number 2 back for a while. He’s not ready.Have to be more patient pressing the OZ and trust Trent is going to open that hole. pic.twitter.com/jFK8Iizjaw
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis)
Brian Robinson’s Playing Style and Fit in San Francisco
Unlike Guerendo, Robinson may not possess elite athleticism but excels in instincts and vision. Despite running behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines in 2024, which was ranked fifth-worst in run blocking by Pro Football Focus, Robinson still delivered a productive season by quickly identifying running lanes and successfully exploiting cutback opportunities. His ability to find openings and capitalize on them is a key strength that fits well with Shanahan’s offensive approach.
Now, Robinson will be supported by the 49ers’ offensive line, which earned the third-best run-blocking grade last season, dramatically improving his prospects for success. This upgraded blocking environment should allow Robinson to maximize his vision and instincts, providing San Francisco with a dependable option behind McCaffrey.
Challenges Facing the 49ers’ Offensive Line in 2025
Despite the overall strength of San Francisco’s run-blocking unit, the team faces uncertainties heading into 2025. Starting guard Aaron Banks has departed in free agency, and veteran left tackle Trent Williams will enter his 37-year-old season, raising concerns about potential declines in blocking efficiency. These factors likely motivated the 49ers to acquire Robinson, who demonstrated last season that he can be effective even without perfect blocking support.
Projecting Robinson’s Role and Impact for the 2025 Season
Unless Guerendo significantly improves his rushing intelligence and vision during the offseason, Robinson is expected to assume the role of second-string running back. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is known for benching players who struggle to execute his complex scheme, which partially explains the limited action for rookie backs in 2024. Robinson, with his reliable instincts and running style, appears to be a better match for Shanahan’s system.
In the near term, Robinson is likely to receive the majority of early-down carries behind McCaffrey, as the team monitors Guerendo’s development. This dynamic shift in the running back depth chart could have lasting effects on the 49ers’ ground game strategy heading into the 2025 season.