Adam Peters isn't shy about making trades. Most of these have involved incomings for the Washington Commanders in recent months, but a new report suggests that the general manager is looking to offload one of the team's starters from last season.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Commanders are shopping running back Brian Robinson Jr. to gauge interest from around the league. This is somewhat surprising when one considers the lavish praise bestowed upon the former third-round pick by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury this summer. Still, Peters could be looking to extract value for a player who's out of contract in 2026.
Robinson was expected to play an important role this season. He has regained his focus and energy after regressing down the stretch in 2024. However, the rapid emergence of seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has shaken up the running back dynamic considerably.
Putting RB1 duties on a player taken No. 245 overall in the draft who missed all but one game last season is a gamble of epic proportions. Peters might think Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols can provide the experience, with Demetric Felton also coming to the fore over the last week at training camp.
It'll be fascinating to see how this ever-changing dynamic unfolds. Until then, here are five possible trade suitors for Robinson.
Trade spots for Brian Robinson Jr. after bombshell Commanders report
San Francisco 49ers
If the Washington Commanders are intent on removing Brian Robinson Jr. from the equation, which is a contentious issue among the fan base, then general manager Adam Peters could strike another agreement with his old employers.
The San Francisco 49ers have a healthy Christian McCaffrey leading the charge once again. The All-Pro has dealt with some nagging injury issues in recent years, so adding another physical backfield threat to gain the hard yards in between the tackles could be the best way to keep him fresh.
Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James, and Patrick Taylor Jr. are the top candidates to secure the primary backup role behind McCaffrey in 2025. Robinson's talent represents an immediate upgrade on them, but much will depend on the compensation involved.
Trading Robinson to a potential NFC contender is something Peters should look to avoid. But he won't hesitate to take the best deal if someone shows a keen interest in the Alabama product.
McCaffrey is a stud. But the need to keep him fit and firing on all cylinders makes the Niners a lively candidate in the Robinson sweepstakes.