Washington Commanders rookie seventh-round pick Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt has been one of training camp’s top stories. It’s generally tough to call any seventh-round pick a lock to make the 53-man roster, but Croskey-Merritt will be on Washington’s 53.
Joining the rookie would be returning starter Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. in a battle to be the Commanders’ fourth back — if they keep four. But what if one of those players projected as locks is not on Washington’s roster to begin the 2025 season?
Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Commanders have reportedly been shopping Robinson. Schultz didn’t say which teams may be interested in Robinson, but the timing is interesting. Washington has two preseason games remaining, and next week, it must trim its roster from 90 to 53 players.
Robinson, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. In three NFL seasons, Robinson has appeared in 41 games with 37 starts. He has 2,329 career rushing yards, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt, with 15 rushing touchdowns. Robinson also has 65 career receptions and five receiving touchdowns.
Robinson’s availability tells us two things: they love Bill (JCM) and they’re very happy with both McNichols and Rodriguez. Ekeler is unaffected, as his role is different. McNichols is a well-traveled veteran loved by the coaching staff. He does everything well, and he and Rodriguez delivered every time the Commanders called their respective numbers last season.
It’s doubtful the Commanders would cut Robinson next week. They like him, but probably view him as a way to land a draft pick next year. Washington is already without two draft picks in 2025 due to the trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil.