Why the Fourth-Year RB Can Be the Perfect Compliment in SF's Backfield
The 49ers have been active in trade discussions over the past week, and it continued earlier today as they acquired Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. The Commanders will take on some of the remaining money on his contract while the 49ers get a bargain for a starting-caliber ball carrier. Robinson Jr. gathered 2,329 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons in Washington, developing into a reliable short-yardage rusher. However, with players like rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt impressing throughout the offseason, the Commanders slowly lost interest in Robinson Jr. as a long-term fit in their backfield.
Over the past week, his trade market began heating up, and San Francisco, along with the Miami Dolphins, became potential trade destinations for the former third-round pick. After missing the first four games of his rookie season with a serious leg injury, Robinson Jr. has still seen a ton of early success. He nearly rushed for 800 yards in two of his three seasons. However, his career average of 4.1 yards per attempt clearly emphasizes his indecisiveness as a runner. Even with Robinson Jr.’s struggles, many teams were still willing to take a swing at his early-career production. As a sophomore in 2023, he collected a 1,000-yard scrimmage season, displaying his versatility as a pass catcher by recording 368 yards and four touchdowns. Now joining the 49ers, this versatility could be heavily explored when he arrives and gets implemented into Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
After trading Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings earlier in the offseason, San Francisco became desperate for help behind former All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. Before exploring the trade market, the 49ers set their attention on second-year running back Isaac Guerendo developing into the primary backup. However, after returning from injury this week, Guerendo struggled, fumbling three separate times during the final day of camp. In addition to his struggles, the backfield has struggled with injuries throughout the offseason. San Francisco recently announced veteran running back Patrick Taylor Jr. will be out with a season-ending shoulder injury, while rookies Jordan James and Corey Kiner are currently out with injuries. With all the rising questions, improving the rushing attack quickly became an emphasis, leading to their pursuit of Robinson Jr. in a trade. The fourth-year running back will look to provide the perfect complement of power and toughness alongside McCaffrey, filling the void left by Mason.
