The Washington Commanders are ready to shop running back Brian Robinson Jr. as they look for a trade partner. But what if they can't find one?
With Robinson's future still uncertain, the team faces a crucial financial decision. He is set to earn $3.406 million in 2025, the final year of his rookie contract.
On Tuesday morning, Spotrac tweeted that if the Commanders cannot find a trade partner this week, they will likely move on from Robinson by releasing him. Doing so would trigger a $212,000 dead cap hit, a salary cap penalty that counts against the team despite Robinson no longer being on the roster.
While this dead cap charge is relatively modest, it comes with the benefit of freeing up the full $3.4 million they would have owed him in salary for 2025.
Spotrac tweeted: "RB Brian Robinson is set to earn $3.406M in 2025, the final year of his rookie contract. If a trade partner can't be found, the Commanders will take on a $212k dead cap hit to move on from him this week, freeing up that $3.4M."
The Commanders appear willing to absorb a small dead cap penalty in exchange for greater salary cap flexibility. Looks like they are not overly concerned about parting ways with Robinson. Should he leave, veteran Austin Ekeler is poised to take on a more prominent role in the backfield.
Another factor influencing the Commanders' decision could be the surprising rise of rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, their seventh-round draft pick. He has impressed the coaching staff and looks likely to secure a spot on the roster.