Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Analyst makes case for Commanders to trade star running back

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Mar 21, 2025 7:43 PM ET

The Washington Commanders have put good pieces around quarterback Jayden Daniels, adding Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil to fix and upgrade two key positions this offseason.

The franchise also re-signed tight end Zach Ertz, quarterback Marcus Mariota and linebacker Bobby Wagner to help keep those who helped establish Dan Quinn's culture last season.

But the Commanders might not be done in the player acquisition business this offseason, but due to the trades of Samuel and Tunsil, the franchise only has five draft selections to work with.

Could more be on their way? In what is a neat exercise, Pro Football Focus has named each team's best trade asset, and when it comes to Washington, running back Brian Robinson Jr. is deemed to have some currency.

"The Commanders’ offseason has centered on upgrading the pieces around Jayden Daniels," Pro Football Focus writes. "In that sense, it might seem paradoxical to trade Robinson, but there would be good reasons to do so. His PFF rushing grade has declined in all three seasons, and his 34 missed tackles forced in 2024 tied for 27th out of 31 qualified rushers. With Robinson only under contract for one more year and this draft class being rich at the position, trading him in favor of a rookie would be plausible."

Having just one year left on his rookie deal, Robinson Jr. has been a solid contributor in his three seasons, rushing for over 700 yards each year, and he's coming off his best season.

He has been a reliable performer for Washington, and his bruising and powerful running style could be attributes that some teams might clamor for.

Plus, with the draft class loaded with running backs, the Commanders might try to get a late-round pick for B-Rob and then attack the draft for his replacement.

Having been a good soldier for Quinn last season, it would be odd to see Robinson Jr. be shown the door, but the NFL is a results business, and if moving on from him is what is best for the team, they'll do it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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