49ers find McCaffrey relief with surprise backfield trade before season opener

The 2025 NFL season hasn’t even kicked off and injuries have already pushed the San Francisco 49ers into the trade market. First came wide receiver Skyy Moore in a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, and now it’s the turn of running back Brian Robinson Jr., acquired from the Washington Commanders after the loss of Jordan James.

The Niners agreed to send a sixth-round pick in the 2026 Draft to Washington in exchange for the back. According to NFL Network, the Commanders accepted covering part of Robinson’s salary to facilitate his exit from the capital. The Alabama product is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will earn a base salary of $3.4 million.

Robinson, 26, was drafted in the third round in 2022 and has since appeared in 41 regular season games, starting 37. He rushed for 2,329 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also catching 65 of 80 targets for 587 yards and five scores.

How does Brian Robinson Jr. fit into 49ers?

Washington viewed Robinson as expendable after the emergence of rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and the presence of veterans Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Landing a draft pick offered decent value for a player whose contract was set to expire at season’s end.

In San Francisco, Robinson will ease the load on Christian McCaffrey, ensuring the star back doesn’t shoulder the entire rushing attack. That likely means Isaac Guerendo will see fewer early opportunities, though as the season wears on he could still feature to help absorb the wear and tear on the top two backs in the depth chart.

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