49ers acquire Brian Robinson Jr. from Commanders for 6th-round pick

The San Francisco 49ers acquired running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders on Friday, sending a conditional 2026 sixth round draft pick to Washington as the trade was finalized after Robinson passed a physical. The move, announced during the late stages of preseason roster cuts, will make Robinson the 49ers primary backup to Christian McCaffrey, head coach Kyle Shanahan said, and both teams said the Commanders will cover an unspecified portion of Robinsons roughly $3.4 million salary for 2025.

Shanahan told reporters, We brought him here to be our two back. Always been a big fan of Brian. Robinson, who made his 49ers practice debut Monday, echoed that commitment, saying My job right now is just to complement him the best way I can. Were going to be the best duo in the league, according to comments he made after practice.

The trade addresses a pressing roster need for San Francisco after a string of injuries depleted the teams depth at running back during training camp. Christian McCaffrey missed much of 2024 with Achilles, knee and PCL injuries and the 49ers have seen backups Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James battle recent injuries. Team analysts and...