Jan. 31, 2026, 5:45 p.m. PT
The San Francisco 49ers head into their offseason with nearly 30 players set to become free agents (unrestricted, restricted and exclusive rights), giving the power duo of John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan plenty to think about.
Among those players ready to hit the market is running back Brian Robinson Jr. What should the 49ers do with Robinson? Let’s analyze the decision that the team will have to make.
Brian Robinson Jr. 2025 season recap
San Francisco acquired Robinson from the Washington Commanders in a late-August trade for a 2026 sixth-round pick. He appeared in all 17 games for the 49ers, rushing for 400 yards and two touchdowns on 4.3 yards per attempt and catching eight passes for 25 yards. He also returned 13 kicks for 29.1 yards per return.
Potential replacements for Brian Robinson Jr.
There are a few running backs on the 49ers’ roster behind Christian McCaffrey right now, including Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo. Either of them could serve as the top backup at the position.
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Michael Carter, Jeremy McNichols, Tyler Allgeier, Jerome Ford, Raheem Mostert and Austin Ekeler are among free agent options who could help the 49ers’ ground game in 2026 and beyond.
What free agency contract could Brian Robinson Jr. get?
Robinson made $1.91 million in the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. Every pending unrestricted free agent who was a backup this past year made less than $2 million in 2025. We can probably expect Robinson to make the same in free agency this year.
Should the 49ers re-sign Brian Robinson Jr.?
San Francisco needs to have a capable backup for McCaffrey, as he moves into his 30s, especially considering his injury history. The 49ers should bring Robinson back. They should also sign another running back or take one in the draft to compete with Guerendo for a third/fourth spot on the active roster alongside McCaffrey and James.
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