Brian Robinson Jr. Reportedly Traded to 49ers, Commanders Receive 2026 NFL Draft Pick

A promising young running back is on the move.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Washington Commanders traded fourth-year running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers on Friday in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Sunday that Washington was "shopping" Robinson to teams around the league as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

Through his first three seasons, Robinson has produced 2,319 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns along with 64 catches for 581 yards and five more scores. In 2024, he rushed for 789 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns in 13 games.

A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of Alabama, Robinson's career was nearly over before it began. In August 2022, he was shot in the knee and glute during an attempted armed robbery, but he sustained no life-threatening injuries and made his NFL debut in Week 5 of that season. The Commanders voted him as their Ed Block Courage Award winner.

Robinson has shown that he can be an effective lead back, so the 49ers should be confident that his addition will make a difference for the 2025 season. He won't start over Christian McCaffrey, but he will provide injury insurance and important depth behind the star.

He is also physical enough to see short-yardage work and figures to work into the rotation alongside McCaffrey.

A big year could also help Robinson earn a major payday next offseason on his second contract.