Commanders move on from Robinson Jr after preseason absence

The Commanders reportedly are shopping running back Brian Robinson Jr, signaling a roster and cap decision.

Commanders move on from Brian Robinson Jr after preseason absence

The Washington Commanders are reportedly shopping running back Brian Robinson Jr, a development that intensified after he did not play in Monday night’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Dan Quinn said he and General Manager Adam Peters spoke with Robinson on Sunday and described the situation as filled with moving parts, adding that he met with the team that night to explain the context. He stressed that players should hear news from him first, a sign of direct communication even as plans remain unsettled. Regardless of where the moving parts land, signs point toward Washington moving on from Robinson.

Robinson has produced across three seasons, starting with a 2022 rookie year of 797 rushing yards in 12 games, followed by 733 rushing yards and 368 receiving yards in 2023, and a 2024 season that reached 799 rushing yards in 14 games with 159 receiving yards. He is in the final year of his rookie contract with a base salary of 3.4 million dollars. If traded, the Commanders would carry 212,000 dollars in dead money against the 2025 salary cap, illustrating how on-field value meets cap arithmetic when decisions are made.

This move signals a shift in how Washington evaluates the backfield, potentially favoring a cheaper option or a committee approach rather than relying on a clear, high-cost starter. It also underscores a growing NFL pattern: teams balance game performance with cap discipline, especially for players who have been productive but carry sizable salary numbers.

For fans, the decision will feel personal given Robinson’s comeback story, but the team must weigh depth behind a potentially evolving quarterback and offensive line. The next steps will attract scrutiny from scouts and analysts about whether this is a strategic reallocation of resources or a risky bet on cheaper options in a crowded room.

Highlights

The next moves will reveal how Washington plans to bankroll its offense this season.