Washington, D.C., August 19, 2025 — Veteran running back Brian Robinson Jr. was held out of the Washington Commanders’ preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night as trade discussions between the player and team intensified. Robinson’s absence, confirmed as a mutual decision, signals a likely end to his three-season stint with the franchise.
Robinson, who was not only held out for this game but also did not suit up for the earlier preseason match against the New England Patriots, was reported by NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo to be in ongoing trade negotiations with the Commanders. Coach Dan Quinn, alongside General Manager Adam Peters, met with Robinson the day before Monday’s game and acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “There’s just a lot of moving parts.” Quinn emphasized the importance of internal communication, assuring the team that information would come from the organization first.
The 26-year-old running back, selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft from Alabama, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Last season, he compiled a career-high 799 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 187 carries, establishing himself as Washington’s leading rusher over teammates including Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Despite this, Robinson’s 4.1 yards-per-carry average and relatively limited explosive play potential have reportedly diminished his valuation within the team.
Robinson’s career with Washington has seen him rack up 2,329 rushing yards over 41 games. Yet, the NC-based franchise is facing a crowded backfield with Austin Ekeler’s veteran presence, a promising rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, versatile weapon Deebo Samuel Sr.’s occasional use at running back, and solid depth in Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Sources suggest the Commanders may be looking to relieve cap space and redirect their roster strategy before the 53-man roster cutdown. Robinson’s $3.4 million base salary, combined with his contract situation entering a key phase, makes him a candidate for either a trade or release, with the team willing to absorb $212,000 in dead cap should a trade materialize or they ultimately release him.
Potential trade destinations discussed by analysts include teams such as the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys, who could benefit from a physical, experience-rich back like Robinson. Meanwhile, the Commanders plan to highlight younger backs in the preseason and continue to utilize the diverse skill set of their running backs corps.
Coach Dan Quinn acknowledged the difficulty of moving on from a player like Robinson but is focused on managing the team’s evolving roster. “News like that’s always not easy,” Quinn said following Monday’s game, reinforcing that conversations are fluid and the team remains engaged in finding the best path forward.
Robinson’s future beyond the Commanders’ organization remains uncertain, but his combination of durability, power running style, and professional experience guarantees he will be a closely watched figure in the upcoming NFL free agency period if no trade occurs.