49ers Acquire RB Brian Robinson Jr. in Trade with Commanders for 2026 NFL Draft Pick
Aug 23, 2025
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5
min read
The San Francisco 49ers continue to show they’re all-in on maintaining one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.
On Tuesday, the team made headlines by acquiring running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commandersin exchange for a 2026 NFL Draft pick.
Robinson, a 2022 third-round selection out of Alabama, has proven to be a tough, downhill runner with the ability to handle volume. Last season with Washington, he posted 733 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 178 carries, while also contributing in the passing game with 36 receptions for 368 yards and 4 receiving TDs.

For the 49ers, adding Robinson provides depth behind Christian McCaffrey, who carried a heavy workload in 2023. San Francisco’s offense thrives on versatility, and Robinson’s bruising running style gives head coach Kyle Shanahan another option to wear down defenses late in games.
From Washington’s perspective, this trade signals confidence in young backs like Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Antonio Gibson (if retained). By moving Robinson now, the Commanders gain valuable draft capital for 2026 while continuing their rebuild under a new regime.
The move also comes at a time when running back value across the NFL remains in flux. While Robinson may not be a household superstar, his career 4.1 yards per carry and 14 total touchdowns show he’s more than capable of impacting games.
For San Francisco, it’s another calculated move to keep their Super Bowl window wide open. And for Robinson, it’s a fresh start in a system that has elevated running backs to stardom in the past.