Brian Robinson Jr. Shatters Expectations with Electrifying Preseason Debut

The Washington Commanders have quietly let it be known that third-year running back Brian Robinson Jr. is available, according to FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz. With the 26-year-old entering the final season of his rookie contract, Washington is testing the market while its backfield depth is the strongest it has been since Robinson arrived. Why Washington Is Listening • Contract clock: Robinson’s four-year deal expires in March 2026, making 2025 his all-important contract year. Rather than risk losing him for a 2026 compensatory pick, the Commanders could secure immediate draft capital. • Crowded depth chart: Free-agent pickup Austin Ekeler profiles as the third-down specialist, while preseason star Jacory Croskey-Merritt gives Kliff Kingsbury a cost-controlled power option. • Scheme fit: New OC Kingsbury is emphasizing outside-zone looks and heavy receiver motion—concepts Ekeler and Croskey-Merritt ran extensively in college—while Robinson’s downhill style is viewed as more interchangeable. Production Still Sells Robinson has logged 2,321 rushing yards, 20 total touchdowns and a 4.3-yard career average despite missing the first four games of his rookie season after surviving a gunshot wound. In 2024 he produced 799 yards and eight scores on just 187 carries, ranking top-10 in red-zone efficiency among backs with at least 150 attempts. Logical Landing Spots • Los Angeles Chargers – Jim Harbaugh wants a power back to pair with rookie Jaden Blue. • Baltimore Ravens – Insurance behind an aging Derrick Henry. • Dallas Cowboys – Still seeking early-down muscle after letting Tony Pollard walk. A mid-round 2026 pick or a player-swap headline is viewed as Washington’s realistic asking price, per league sources. Fantasy & Betting Fallout If traded, Robinson’s value hinges on volume; he averaged 16.4 touches per game in 2024, but that number could spike on a running-back-needy roster. Meanwhile, Ekeler becomes the PPR riser in Washington, and Croskey-Merritt morphs into a late-round fantasy sleeper. What’s Next The Commanders host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football to close preseason. Front-office executives around the league expect talks to intensify once final roster cuts begin, putting Robinson squarely on the August trade watch list.