Commanders trading RB Brian Robinson to 49ers to backup McCaffrey
The 49ers are bolstering their backfield via the trade market.
The Washington Commanders are sending running back Brian Robinson to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, according to NFL Network reports.
As part of the deal, Washington will cover a portion of the $3.4 million Robinson is owed in 2025, the final season of his rookie contract.
The move had been anticipated after Robinson sat out the Commanders’ second preseason game while trade options were being explored. San Francisco emerged as a fit, seeking a physical runner to complement Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.
Robinson’s NFL career began with adversity, as he was the victim of an armed robbery prior to his rookie year and suffered gunshot wounds to his knee and glute. He made a full recovery, returned to action in Week 5 of the 2022 season, and went on to produce 2,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns across three seasons.
Despite his production, Robinson appeared to lose ground in Washington’s backfield rotation this summer, prompting the trade. In San Francisco, he’ll step into Kyle Shanahan’s run-heavy system, where he’ll provide depth behind McCaffrey and serve as a power option in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
This marks the second trade between the Commanders and 49ers in 2025. Earlier in the year, Washington acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel for a 2025 fifth-round pick, which San Francisco later used to draft Oregon running back Jordan James.
This trade also makes the playing field for Christian McCaffrey alot more confusing for fantasy as he will be sure to take some playing time away from him.