On Friday, the Washington Commanders traded their primary running back of the past three seasons, Brian Robinson Jr., to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft. This trade signals a significant shift in the Commanders’ offensive strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Brian Robinson Jr., selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by Washington, appeared in 41 games with 37 starts during his tenure, averaging approximately 14 carries and nearly 57 rushing yards per game, with a 4.1 yards-per-carry average. Coming out of Alabama, Robinson notched a career-high eight touchdowns last season, totaling 15 rushing scores in his career so far.
New Direction for Commanders’ Running Game
The decision to move on from Robinson reflects the Commanders’ desire to explore other options in their backfield. Veteran running back Austin Ekeler is expected to lead the rushing attack in the near term, bringing a versatile skill set. Additionally, third-year player Chris Rodriguez offers some experience as a backup option. However, the team and fans alike are particularly focused on a promising rookie who could reshape the offense.
Jacoby Croskey-Merritt Emerges as Exciting Rookie Prospect
Jacoby Croskey-Merritt, often called Bill, is a rookie garnering attention after being picked just after a dozen players in the recent draft. Croskey-Merritt’s college career had an unusual gap, playing only one game last season due to transfer eligibility issues after moving to Arizona. In that single appearance, he rushed for 106 yards and scored a touchdown.
In 2023, at New Mexico, Croskey-Merritt delivered an outstanding performance with nearly 1,200 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 189 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per attempt. The Commanders see this as an indicator of his potential at the professional level. While Croskey-Merritt did not show much receiving ability in college, this could complement Ekeler’s proficiency as a pass-catching back, offering balance in the backfield.
During the preseason, Croskey-Merritt has demonstrated his big-play capabilities by rushing for 70 yards on 18 carries and scoring once in two games. Such early promise has raised optimism about his role in Washington’s future offensive plans.
Coach Dan Quinn Praises Croskey-Merritt’s Skills
After a recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington’s head coach Dan Quinn commented on Croskey-Merritt’s performance:
“I like the skills that we’re seeing from Bill. He makes plays. He’s got quickness. I love the ball security that he had tonight. Those are important things that you can’t overlook.”
—Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders Head Coach
While it remains uncertain how much responsibility Croskey-Merritt will carry in his rookie season, he is clearly a candidate to watch as the Commanders reshape their rushing attack without Brian Robinson Jr.
The Impact and Future Outlook for Washington’s Offense
The Brian Robinson Jr. trade marks a clear turning point for the Washington Commanders as they aim to revitalize their offense through fresh talent. By focusing on rising players like Croskey-Merritt alongside seasoned veterans like Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez, the team hopes to build a dynamic backfield capable of contributing to improved results in the coming seasons.
The move also reflects the broader trend of NFL teams seeking to balance veteran experience with rookie potential, particularly in key positions like running back. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring Croskey-Merritt’s development to see if he can fulfill the promise shown in college and preseason performances.