The Washington Commanders are reportedly shopping running back Brian Robinson Jr. ahead of the August 26 roster cuts, with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt showing enough promise at training camp to make Robinson expendable.
In three seasons, Robinson has rushed for 2,329 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 368 receiving yards in 2023 alone. Despite consistent production, the Commanders may feel they can lean on Croskey-Merritt and receive valuable assets in a potential trade.
The Brian Robinson Jr. situation has been a hot topic for the last several days now.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) August 20, 2025
We asked Austin Ekeler about it today.
Austin said, "you can't always control the name on the front of the jersey, but you always represent the name on the back...control what you can control." pic.twitter.com/YPm0nqzcfU
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report notes three teams as likely landing spots for Robinson, all of which could benefit from a bruising, three-down back while giving Washington draft capital or young talent in return.
1. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears could be a natural fit for Robinson. With rookie Kyle Monangai still developing, and injuries to D’Andre Swift in past seasons, Robinson could immediately bolster the backfield. In exchange, Washington could seek versatile guard Ryan Bates, who could start over Brandon Coleman at left guard, plus a 2026 fourth-round pick. This trade would give the Bears insurance and depth behind Swift while providing the Commanders a potential starter on their offensive line.
2. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns lost Nick Chubb in free agency and are leaning on rookie Quinshon Judkins, whose legal and contractual situation remains uncertain. Brian Robinson would give Cleveland a proven, reliable option alongside Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr., while Washington could receive edge rusher Alex Wright, entering the final year of his rookie deal. Wright offers a pass-rushing boost, and the Browns get a power runner who can carry the load immediately if Judkins isn’t ready.
3. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints could also pursue Robinson to support their unsettled backfield behind Alvin Kamara, Cam Akers, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. With rookie Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler struggling in the preseason, Robinson could take pressure off the quarterback situation by controlling short-yardage and goal-line carries. In return, Washington might target young edge Isaiah Foskey, giving the Commanders a potential pass-rushing asset while bolstering their defensive depth.
With Robinson in the final year of his rookie contract and a $3.4 million base salary, the Commanders could see a modest cap hit of $212,000 if traded. Coach Dan Quinn excused Robinson from recent practices as the team works out his future, a clear intent to move on from the backfield staple.
Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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