Brian Robinson trade rumors tracker: Latest news on Commanders RB as team explores deals involving former starter

With it already being late-August, almost every NFL team has likely solidified the plans for its 2025 backfield. The Commanders are not one of those teams.

Now just days ahead of Week 1, Washington added a somewhat surprising name to the trade market recently with running back Brian Robinson Jr. reportedly being available. Not only was Robinson held out of preseason action during ongoing trade rumors, but the Commanders have also seen backs like Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jacory Crosky-Merritt emerge as legitimate weapons in the preseason.

So, with the new season almost here, there is likely a starting-level weapon running back up for grabs in Robinson. Whether Washington winds up dealing Robinson, rather than just cutting him, remains to be seen. But either way, there is a rare opportunity for one of 31 teams to scoop up a solid weapon for the 2025 campaign. 

The Sporting News is tracking the latest trade rumors about Brian Robinson Jr. as the Commanders consider trading the running back. Follow along below for the latest.

Brian Robinson trade rumors

Brian Robinson Jr. excused from Commanders practice

• Date: Aug. 20
• Source: John Doran

Robinson was "excused" from Washington's practice on Wednesday, head coach Dan Quinn told reporters. 

"Hope to have a resolution on that soon," Quinn reportedly said.

Commanders will 'likely' move on from Robinson

• Date: Aug. 19
• Source: Ian Rapoport

With ongoing trade rumors, Rapoport said that he does not expect Robinson to play for the Commanders any longer, likely to find a new home soon. With Robinson hitting some escalators on his contract, now making north of $3 million, Rapoport said that other teams have been trying to understand why Washington wants to move Robinson.

"This is a starting running back in the NFL who now seems very much available. Seems like teams have sort of gotten their hands around, nothing happened [with Robinson], they're just not going to extend him, time to move on," Rapoport said. 

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo also added that there is interest from teams in Robinson, and the running back "wants the best possible situation for him to have the best possible season" ahead of 2026 free agency.

Robinson held out of preseason Week 2 game amid uncertainty

• Date: Aug. 18
• Source: Adam Schefter

Washington held Robinson out of action in its second preseason game, with head coach Dan Quinn saying that he and GM Adam Peters met with Robinson ahead of time to let him know.

ESPN reported that if the Commanders can't find a trade suitor, Robinson could end up being cut. 

Commanders 'shopping' Brian Robinson Jr.

• Date: Aug. 17
• Source: Jordan Schultz

Schultz and other insiders reported that the Commanders are "shopping" Robinson ahead of the NFL roster cuts deadline, with the running back entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Brian Robinson landing spots 

The Sporting News' Daniel Chavkin recently listed four potential landing spots for Robinson on the trade market, based on team needs:

• Kansas City Chiefs
• Chicago Bears
• Dallas Cowboys
• Houston Texans

The Chiefs and Cowboys are two of the highest-profile teams that could be in the market for a running back. Outside of Isaiah Pacheco, who dealt with injuries in 2024, Kansas City doesn't have a surefire option to produce in its backfield. Adding Robinson would give the Chiefs a more efficient option alongside Pacheco, rather than giving snaps to a 30-year-old Kareem Hunt.

As for Dallas, the need for a running back has been apparent since Tony Pollard's departure. Rico Dowdle was a fine option in 2024, but he signed in Carolina this offseason, leaving veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, along with rookie Jaydon Blue, competing for the top role in the backfield. Robinson would be a much more viable option than any of those three, but whether the Commanders would trade him in-division is another question.

The other two squads listed are the Bears and Texans, who don't drastically need a running back, but would still benefit from Robinson's reliability. Chicago is heading into its second season with D'Andre Swift as its lead back, but he's not exactly an elite option, so adding Robinson could make for a nice two-headed backfield instead.

Houston already has two big names in former 1,000-yard rushers Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb, but neither should be expected to produce in 2025 like they used to. Mixon is beginning the season injured, while Chubb's injury history has made him less of a surefire RB1 than ever. Adding Robinson would bring more insurance and depth in Houston.

Brian Robinson stats

Robinson has been a durable and consistent option out of Washington's backfield since being drafted in 2022. With over 700 rushing yards each season, Robinson also had a career-high eight touchdowns in 2024.

Here's a look at Robinson's career numbers: