In a development that appears to go beyond just guessing, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn seems to be setting the foundation for running back Brian Robinson Jr.’s departure. Following Robinson’s absence from the Monday night preseason game against the Bengals, this circumstance became especially obvious and only strengthened speculations implying that the team is prepared to part ways with him.
Before the game, Quinn and general manager Adam Peters spoke with Robinson to go over his present position and highlight the many moving parts involved. Their choice to address the issue head-on with the crew that evening underscored the changes that were about to occur inside the roster dynamics.
Quinn underlined the necessity of first making sure that leaders inform players; this points to a major change in the team’s approach to its backfield. Although he avoided specifically saying Brian Robinson Jr. would be traded or released, Quinn’s comments offered a better grasp: “News like that’s always not easy,” he admitted, implying Robinson’s future with the Commanders is probably restricted.
Brian Robinson Jr. has been steadily producing more over the past three seasons, finally setting a career-high 799 rushing yards in 2024 as he approaches the last year of his contract. Financial effects of his contract, though, are rather small: should the Commanders decide to trade or release him, they would only take a dead-cap hit of $212,000.
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At this juncture, a trade seems to be the most probable outcome since it could give Robinson a chance for a new start while giving Washington cap relief or draft selections. Should a good trade partner fail to come forward, the possibility of letting him go still presents itself quite clearly. In general, while Robinson’s time with the Washington Commanders could be approaching an unexpected conclusion, Quinn and Peters seem to be definitely driving toward a restructured backfield. As training camp progresses, the once-important position Robinson held may no longer align with the team’s future objectives.