The Washington Commanders made Brian Robinson Jr. available via trade in August, and it recently gained traction on Sunday. Despite being the team’s leading rusher in two of his first three seasons, the team decided to shop him because of the emergence of two young running backs, while hoping to receive draft compensation rather than him playing out the final year of his deal. Robinson did not play in Monday’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals and has not practiced since.
It was only a matter of time until a running-back-needy team would pounce on the 2,329-yard rusher.
Washington Commanders trade 2,329-yard rusher to NFC West foe
Washington Commanders, Adam peters
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, the Washington Commanders traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick. As part of the trade, the Commanders agreed to eat part of Robinson’s salary for the 2025 season. With their 37-game starter now gone, the team must count on a new running back to lead the unit.
Also Read: San Francisco 49ers: Land 2,329-Yard Rusher for Much-Needed Depth
Highlighting one promising running back who could see his role increase is their seventh-round pick.
Washington Commanders’ late-round steal has impressed, set for key role in 2025
Washington Commanders, Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Aug 18, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (32) scores a touchdown past Cincinnati Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony (33) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was limited to one game in 2024 with the Arizona Wildcats due to eligibility reasons, but that did not prevent the Washington Commanders from drafting him 245th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts are high on him because of his athleticism, vision, quickness, physicality, ability to make defenders miss, and yards after contact, among others. Croskey-Merritt has impressed throughout training camp and has rushed for 70 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown in two preseason games, making him a strong starting candidate.
The offense will also feature Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols as part of the rotation. Ekeler or Rodriguez may begin the year as the lead back, but JCM could take over later in the season. Many fans are hyped for the potential of their late-round steal.
Washington Commanders fans hyped for late-round steal
Washington Commanders
Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Washington Commanders fans during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Croskey season!
— O/USports (@0usports) August 22, 2025
Jacory Croskey-Merritt season
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) August 22, 2025
JCM to the moon
— MrMcNasty (@MrMcNasty21) August 22, 2025
Croskey Merritt time
— Braden Burcham (@braden_burcham_) August 22, 2025
Jacory is gunna get 1000 this year
— Fish (@BobThaFishX) August 22, 2025
JACORY CROSKEY-MERRITT 🔥 🏈
REMEMBER THE NAME 🚀 https://t.co/8RCYzh73i3
— Buddy Boy Bets (@Buddyboybets) August 22, 2025
The Jacory Croskey-Merrit agenda continues to grow 📈📈📈
— 272.Football (@272fantasy) August 22, 2025
JCM !!!!
— Sundays (@SundaysShow) August 22, 2025
As someone who drafted croskett I’m ecstatic
— Adam Guldberg (@guldberg_adam) August 22, 2025
BILL YOU ARE THE CHOSEN ONE 💸
— slimmvinny🇺🇸 (@slimmvinny) August 22, 2025
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