Dynasty Decision: Brian Robinson

We all know the pain of holding onto that stud player too long as their production evaporates and your once highly-priced asset becomes worthless. There are also plenty of cases of players being sold expecting that decline, only to continue defying the odds. This series will examine what you should do as players approach these decision points.

Brian Robinson, RB WAS

Robinson is a fascinating case in dynasty formats. A tough, downhill runner with early-down appeal, he’s shown flashes of three-down capability but plays in an evolving Washington offense with a coaching staff that may have different long-term plans. As he approaches a critical turning point in his value, let’s break down what to do with Robinson on your roster.

Previous Performance

After being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Alabama product quickly carved out a role in Washington’s backfield. Despite being shot during a robbery attempt before his rookie season, he returned after missing just four games and finished the year with 797 rushing yards and three touchdowns, showing impressive toughness and determination. His 2022 performance wasn’t flashy in the fantasy department, averaging 9.1 PPR points per game, mostly due to limited involvement in the passing game with 12 targets total.

In 2023, Robinson took a step forward. He posted 1,100 total yards and 10 touchdowns, increasing his role in the receiving game with 43 targets. Averaging 13.2 PPR points per game, he began to show more rounded production and became a usable RB2/flex option in most formats. However, after letting Antonio Gibson walk in free agency, the Commanders added veteran Austin Ekeler into the backfield to share a timeshare with Robinson.

Robinson started the 2024 season off brightly as the RB11 in points per game through weeks one to seven. However, a mix of injuries and losing work to Ekeler resulted in another disappointing finish outside the top 18 at the running back position. Despite the offense taking a huge step forward in 2024 with Jayden Daniels under center and Kliff Kingsbury calling the plays. The spread of work in the backfield limited any ceiling outcomes for Robinson.

Situation and Usage

Heading into 2025, there was some expectation that the Commanders could add some new options into the backfield. However, through free agency and the draft, the only new player added was seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt. This means the backfield will likely lean on Robinson and 30-year-old Ekeler, who missed time over the past two seasons. The run scheme will always be above average with Kliff Kingsbury, one of the most impressive run-game creators in the league. Hopefully, Robinson can earn more work in the receiving game, particularly if Ekeler misses time again.

Contract

Robinson will be playing the 2025 season in the final year of his rookie contract. Given his limited production and how most teams treat the running back position, I doubt the Commanders will decide to extend him until after the season, meaning he will likely head into the 2026 off-season as a free agent. This is always risky for fantasy assets as it creates uncertainty, and there is a greater chance that it will lead to a less favorable landing spot than a better one.

ADP and Trade Value

He is the RB36 in January ADP and the 125th overall player. The trade analyzer has him worth the 2.11 in the 2025 draft or a random 2026 second-round pick in a superflex league. Recent trades are below:

Conclusion

Robinson is one of those running backs who becomes completely overlooked as people chase after more sexy options. However, as long as he is healthy, Robinson will likely offer solid, reliable RB2-type production and has the upside to outproduce that if he has a high touchdown season. The Commanders’ offense could take another step forward, and that could increase the touchdown equity of this entire offense.

If that player profile comes with an expensive acquisition cost, it makes sense to leave it alone and look for higher upside options. However, the trade analyzer has him worth a late second-round pick, and the recent trades show that he can be acquired for a third-round pick. He is too solid not to look to acquire him at that price. Yes, it may not be a league-winning home run pick, but sometimes, just getting on base and adding solid RB2 production to your roster is a great addition. As a contender, Robinson is the perfect low-cost option to add to your RB room to give you some more options. If you’re a rebuilder, you could even look to acquire Robinson on the cheap and then spin him off for a profit in the season when he is producing, and people realize what he could be.

When building a dynasty, not every move needs to be to acquire a cornerstone superstar who can be a stud for years to come. The moves on the edges can help win you a title, and Robinson feels like a suitable option.

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Richard Cooling

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

Richard is a despondent Jets fan from the UK. He is a value obsessive and believes in trading any player if the value is there. He aims to combine statistics and film study to provide well thought and researched opinions. When he's not thinking about player values Richard spends his time at the beach with his wife and two sons.

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