The 49ers are bolstering their backfield via the trade market.
The Washington Commanders are trading running back Brian Robinson to San Francisco in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported on Friday.
Washington has agreed to take on $1.25 million owed to the former third-round pick in 2025, the final year of Robinson's rookie deal, Rapoport added.
Robinson's departure had been expected after he sat out Washington's second preseason game while the team explored a trade. Just a few days later, the Commanders found a willing partner in the 49ers, a team that could use a bruiser in its backfield behind superstar Christian McCaffrey.
Robinson's NFL journey began with a harrowing experience just before the start of his rookie season. The Alabama product was the victim of an armed robbery in Washington, D.C., suffering two gunshot wounds in the knee and glute. Fortunately, Robinson avoided life-threatening injury and returned to the field a month later, making his debut in Week 5 of the 2022 season.
Since then, he's tallied 2,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over three seasons but appeared to fall out of favor this summer, leading to Friday's trade. He'll receive a change of scenery and new opportunity in Kyle Shanahan's run-friendly offense, a scheme that has produced plenty of unexpected standouts in years past and offers Robinson both the chance to spell McCaffrey and capitalize on scoring opportunities in goal-line situations.
Washington, meanwhile, completes its second trade with San Francisco in 2025. Earlier in the year, the 49ers sent veteran receiver Deebo Samuel to the nation's capital in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick, which San Francisco spent on Oregon running back Jordan James.
