The San Francisco 49ers are acquiring running back Brian Robinson Jr. in a trade, where the team now has depth in the backfield unit for veteran Christian McCaffrey. According to the breaking news, the 49ers will acquire Robinson, who is entering his fourth year in the league, as the team is sending a 2026 sixth-round pick in return to the Washington Commanders. It was a much-needed move for the 49ers since they sent Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings in a trade earlier this offseason. There was no possible way that San Francisco would move forward with Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James as reliable backups for the running back corps, so they finally got a fresh breath of air for now.
However, this could mean bad news for the veteran running back. Even though there has been confidence and momentum for McCaffrey, who has been shining at camp, it doesn’t guarantee his job is safe. Robinson was an RB1 for three years in Washington, and he will be looking to take that spot in San Francisco. This doesn’t mean the 49ers will ever release McCaffrey, but a trade could be possible at the right price. McCaffrey was the subject of trade rumors earlier this offseason as the 49ers are sooner rather than later going to embrace the rebuild in the next few years at minimum, so here are four possible teams if the team decides to dangle him on the trade block.
Breaking: 49ers Brian Robinson Jr. Trade Could Signal Christian McCaffrey Departure
Best Possible Next Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
Despite signing Najee Harris this offseason, the plan for head coach Jim Harbaugh’s run game hasn’t lived up to expectations yet. However, 2025 draft pick Omarion Hampton is looking like a bullet with a lot of promise. Since Harris may miss some time due to a fireworks incident earlier this offseason, the Chargers should be in the mix to invest in another running back. The 49ers probably won’t trade McCaffrey before the 2025 campaign unless they’re having a losing season, and if the Chargers find themselves close to playoff contention, they could get McCaffrey, which could serve as an experienced veteran that puts them further in the postseason.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, this trade would make all the sense in the world for the Dallas Cowboys. Between veterans Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, this does not look like a backfield room that wants to win. McCaffrey would put Dallas back on top as one of the dangerous run games in the league, and it wouldn’t be close. Quarterback Dak Prescott is only getting older, so Jerry Jones must swallow his pride and get CMC in Dallas to revive the team that is going through a divorce with their top defensive talent, Micah Parsons.
Pittsburgh Steelers
After losing Najee Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the worst running back units in the league. Jaylen Warren is good, but nothing on the level of great that can carry this run game into the playoffs. With Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell as backups, there’s clearly room for improvement here. McCaffrey could turn this offense from having potential to being the top dog in the AFC, especially when you already have Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf on the same offense.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens aren’t in the market for a running back, but it’d be wise to start thinking about life after Derrick Henry. Despite signing a new extension, he is entering an age where he may slow down. McCaffrey might be in the same boat, but he has a few more seasons ahead of him that can keep this offense championship-worthy, led by Lamar Jackson.
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