5 trade fits for Brian Robinson Jr. after shocking Commanders report

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.

Kansas City Chiefs

If this report from Jordan Schultz is accurate, and general manager Adam Peters wants to get something back in return for Brian Robinson Jr., trading him to the AFC represents the best-case scenario. And there is one team above all else that makes the most sense.

The Kansas City Chiefs supposedly had a down year in 2024. If winning 15 regular-season games, securing the AFC Championship, and reaching the Super Bowl represent regression, most other teams don't stand a chance.

Kansas City has strengthened its offense. They have a revamped offensive line and more explosiveness at the skill positions. If there was a potential weak link, it centers on the backup running back spot behind lead option Isiah Pacheco.

Kareem Hunt is touted to fill the role right now, but his powers have been on the decline for years. Elijah Mitchell has some decent athleticism, but he didn't play a competitive snap in 2024.

The Chiefs' window is still open. Considering this might be legendary tight end Travis Kelce's final year before retirement, they have to put all their chips on the table. And there's no doubt Robinson is an intriguing option if the Commanders are willing to part ways.

Chicago Bears

The Commanders and Chicago Bears will be closely linked for the foreseeable future. They were the top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, respectively. And then, there's the Hail Mary miracle that completely shifted the direction of these two storied franchises.

Washington went to the NFC Championship game. Chicago spiraled into the proverbial abyss, firing head coach Matt Eberflus and replacing him with ex-Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

The Bears have also worked hard to ensure Williams is in a better position to thrive moving forward. Their offensive line looks better, they have some superb weapons in the passing game, and D'Andre Swift holds the No. 1 running back role entering 2025.

Adding a more physical backfield force could give the Bears a nice balance. Roschon Johnson is tabbed as Chicago's RB2 currently, but his production has been pedestrian at best over his first two NFL seasons. Robinson's numbers are far greater, and his improving capabilities in the red zone make this a risk worth taking.

Again, trading Robinson to an NFC team represents a risk from Adam Peters' standpoint. But that's not to say he won't if the compensation is too good to refuse.

Los Angeles Chargers

There is nothing Jim Harbaugh loves more than imposing his team's physical will by running the football. He loves to set the tone and pound the opposition into submission. Expect that trend to continue this season for a Los Angeles Chargers team that could make some noise in the postseason.

Getting there will be the toughest test. The AFC West is getting a lot stronger behind the Kansas City Chiefs. Harbaugh will fancy his chances, but the Las Vegas Raiders now have Pete Carroll. The Denver Broncos also look strong, led by head coach Sean Payton, quarterback Box Nix, and a potentially elite defensive unit.

Brian Robinson Jr. would be a great fit for Harbaugh. He's an aggressive runner with a strong work ethic who takes no prisoners. They could also need another running back after Najee Harris suffered a serious eye injury during a 4th of July fireworks incident.

Harris is reportedly back on the practice field, which is encouraging. It's also worth remembering that the Chargers spent their first-round pick on former North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, who could be an absolute superstar if he puts everything together.

Harbaugh can never have enough good running backs. If the price is right, he could swoop for Robinson if the Washington Commanders are serious about trading him.

Dallas Cowboys

In-division trades are extremely rare. But general manager Adam Peters has already proven that if the deal is right, he won't think twice about sealing an agreement with the Commanders' bitter NFC East rivals.

Peters struck two trade deals with the Philadelphia Eagles during his first offseason at the helm. He moved down in the draft so Howie Roseman could draft defensive back Cooper DeJean. He also sent wide receiver Jahan Dotson to Lincoln Financial Field after he failed to make the right impression.

That makes the Dallas Cowboys a dark-horse candidate to trade for Brian Robinson. They turned over their backfield corps this offseason, signing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency while also using a Day 3 draft pick on Jaydon Blue. Just how this dynamic will shake out remains to be seen, but there are concerns about the two veteran players based on their current career trajectory.

Sanders flamed out with the Carolina Panthers. Williams saw his promising early momentum with the Broncos derailed by injury, and he hasn't been the same since. Those in the building are confident, but taking Robinson off the Commanders' hands would upgrade the room considerably.

There will be an in-division tax, of course. One that Jerry Jones might not be willing to pay when push comes to shove.

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