Commanders’ Robinson sits on trade block as rookie rusher impresses

The Commanders are listening to trade offers for running back Brian Robinson Jr., according to multiple reports. The franchise is reportedly shopping the 26-year-old to other clubs as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

Washington coach Dan Quinn has hosted an open running back competition throughout this season’s training camp. Robinson and veteran Austin Ekeler lead the depth chart, but seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has also impressed during joint practices and camp scrimmages.

“I’ve seen it as a deep group, number one, going into it. We think of guys who are the pass catchers coming out of the backfield, different styles of runs,” Quinn said Saturday. “So, it is a deep room of competitors.”

The Arizona product has quickly become a fan favorite as he jockeys for position with fellow running backs Kazmeir Allen, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez. 

Croskey-Merritt’s dynamic running style — featuring quick cuts and a willingness to welcome contact — has shot him up the depth chart.

“All six or seven guys in there have a place in this league. They all have dynamic traits, all have things to do really well and guys, when they had their opportunity, have played at a high level,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said Friday. “So, it’s a deep group and we just got to see how it shakes out.”

It’s unclear what kind of return Robinson could fetch on the trade market. Running backs, especially those on expiring deals, are not in high demand.

Former San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason, who rushed for just 10 fewer yards than Robinson last season, was traded to the Minnesota Vikings with a sixth-round pick in exchange for selections in the fifth and sixth rounds. 

A late-round pick wouldn’t be an inspiring return for a player drafted in the third round of the 2022 draft by former coach Ron Rivera. 

The Alabama product’s debut was delayed by a robbery in August 2022. Robinson suffered gunshot wounds to his knee and glute in the altercation in Northeast D.C. 

He was released from the hospital the next day, but didn’t make his first NFL appearance until a month later. 

In three seasons with the Commanders, Robinson has struggled to meet expectations of an every-down running back. Last season, Robinson’s first under Quinn and Kingsbury, was his best yet with 799 rushing yards, 4.3 yards per carry and eight touchdowns — all career highs. 

“He’s continued to progress. He’s a guy that, when you put the pads on and you really practice full speed, is when he really shows up,” Kingsbury said of Robinson. “Just a guy who keeps getting better in our system, I think he understands it more and is more and more comfortable.”

But after missing three games with an ankle injury, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels finished as the team’s leading rusher last year.

With or without Robinson, Washington will likely continue to rely on Daniels’ legs and a committee of backs in Kingsbury’s second season calling plays.