The Commanders running back position is in a relatively stable place right now. Washington loses Antonio Gibson in free agency but retains two young backs on their rookie deals. Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. should receive most of the carries in 2024, but general manager Adam Peters might look to add another piece. With the hiring of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, that piece will likely be a dynamic pass-catcher to employ out of the backfield on third downs.
Commanders Running Back Review
Current Depth Chart
Brian Robinson Jr.
Brian Robinson Jr. emerged as the clear-cut starter in 2023, registering almost three times as many carries as anyone else on the roster. His 733 rushing yards rank 31st in the NFL, his five touchdowns rank tied for 25th, and his 4.1 yards per carry rank 26th. Due to Eric Bienemy’s heavy emphasis on the passing game, Robinson Jr. decreased his volume of rushing production from his rookie season in 2022. On the flip side, this schematic shift allowed him to flex his receiving chops, recording 36 receptions for 368 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore.
Robinson Jr. might never be a top-15 NFL starting running back and he probably shouldn’t be an every-down workhorse in the league. That being said, he can lead a committee and he demonstrated the ability to handle a more versatile role in his second year. Robinson, Jr. is under his rookie contract through 2025 and should remain as the starter heading into the 2024 season.
Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Hidden behind both Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson in 2023, rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. played in 13 games and received a carry in only eight. The former Kentucky Wildcat rushed 51 times for 247 yards and two touchdowns, leading the running back room with 4.8 yards per carry. When Robinson Jr. sat out with an injury in Week 16, Rodriguez Jr. took advantage and turned 10 carries into 58 yards and two touchdowns against a strong Jets defense.
With Gibson likely leaving in free agency, Rodriguez Jr. is the only other running back on the Commanders roster. CRod is a perfect direct backup to BRob and is under contract through 2026. Both are primarily first and second-down thumpers, and the offense won’t miss a beat when Robinson Jr. needs a breather. Unfortunately, neither are dynamic athletes and neither offers big-play potential in space. The team will add competition via free agency and/or the draft, most likely on Day 3.
Free Agent Options
The first route to adding competition will come via free agency. Teams are permitted to begin negotiating with free agents at noon EST on March 11, and the Commanders brass will be busy. Despite having the most cap space in the league, however, Washington is unlikely to spend much of that money on the running back position. It isn’t a premium position and the team has too many other needs to prioritize first. They will do their due diligence, though, and could come away with an under-the-radar signing.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, UFA
A player like Clyde Edwards-Helaire could make some sense for Washington. As a former first-round selection, handpicked by Patrick Mahomes, Edwards-Helaire didn’t meet expectations in Kansas City. He lost starting duties to seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco and pass-game responsibilities to 31-year-old Jerick McKinnon. He desperately needs a change of scenery and his market will reflect it. The Commanders could bring in Edwards-Helaire on a cheap, one-year “prove-it” deal that could benefit both parties.
Salvon Ahmed, UFA
Salvon Ahmed is another inexpensive option to consider. Ahmed wouldn’t be guaranteed to make the 53-man roster, and wouldn’t preclude the team from drafting a rookie, but he’d offer quality competition in training camp. He caught 16 passes in eight games last season for the explosive Dolphins offense, and he’d cost less than $1 million on a one-year deal. The diminutive Ahmed would bring a different dimension to complement bruisers Robinson Jr. and Rodriguez Jr.
Draft Options
This is where things could get interesting. The 2024 NFL Draft takes place a full month after the start of free agency, so we’ll have a better idea of the team’s needs in April. As a reminder, Washington holds nine total picks, including five in the first three rounds. The Commanders won’t prioritize the running back position, but Kliff Kingsbury could covet one to utilize in his air-raid offense.
Mar’Kiese “Bucky” Irving, Oregon
Bucky Irving is an intriguing prospect with an ideal skillset for Washington’s new system. Irving (5’10”, 195 lbs) transferred from Minnesota after his freshman year to become a two-time 1,000-yard rusher as an Oregon Duck. He increased his reception total every season, culminating in a 56-reception, 413-yard receiving season in 2023.
Irving is currently listed as the 94th overall player according to NFL Mock Draft Database‘s consensus Big Board. The Commanders hold a third-round compensatory pick at #101 overall and a fourth-round pick at #103. Irving could be a strong option at either selection if available.
Will Shipley, Clemson
Former five-star recruit Will Shipley (5’11” 210 lbs) is another back on the third/fourth round border in early mock drafts. After a monster sophomore season with 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns, Shipley regressed in almost every statistical rushing category in 2023. He played in every game but produced only 827 yards and five touchdowns on 43 fewer carries than the previous year.
On the other hand, Shipley increased his receiving production in his third season. He’s a natural pass-catcher, is explosive in the open field, and has the prototypical size for the position. After a down season, he could fall into Washington’s lap in the fourth round.
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