Commanders tied to shocking trade move fans didn’t see coming

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters | Stacy Revere/GettyImagesTrading Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers signaled a new era in the Washington Commanders' running back room. However, it's also a journey into the unknown.

Austin Ekeler should carry the early load. He was among the league's most productive dual threats once upon a time, but that's not the case anymore. Jeremy McNichols is seen as a special teams ace but not much more. Chris Rodriguez Jr. and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt have potential, but both are unproven.

The Commanders cannot leave anything to chance in 2025. There is a real need to cement their status as a contender and prove that a…