Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. knows this is a make-or-break year for him. Robinson enters the final year of his rookie contract and looks to land a long-term deal from Washington or someone else. Landing long-term deals as a running back is hard enough, but even more difficult when you aren’t on the field.

Robinson saw the Commanders use a seventh-round pick on Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the 2025 NFL draft. While seventh-round picks often face an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, Croskey-Merritt is different. Washington loves him and believes he would’ve been drafted much higher if an eligibility issue hadn’t limited him to one game last season.

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Robinson has been on the field, but in three NFL seasons, he has yet to play a full season. That’s not his fault. Before his rookie season, Robinson was shot in an attempted robbery and miraculously returned after only missing the first four games.

Robinson is ready for a big 2025 season.

“The biggest thing for me is just being available,” Robinson told reporters last week. “Just being on the field, I think, when I’m healthy and I’m well….the biggest thing for me is just being available, being out there on the field where I can continue to produce. Everything, as far as the craft, I’m going to continue to stay sharp and continue to work, put in the extra time, the extra hours in the building, outside the building, whatever I need to do to stay sharp.”

Robinson is sometimes criticized too harshly. As a rookie, coming off being shot in the foot, he rushed for 797 yards (3.9 YPA) in 12 games. In 2023, Robinson ran for 733 yards (4.1 YPA) and five touchdowns in 15 games. Last season, Robinson played in 14 games, rushing for 799 yards, eight touchdowns and averaged 4.4 yards per attempt. Robinson set multiple career highs last season, but many called it disappointing.

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Robinson is not a shifty runner. But he’s a strong, powerful runner who is hard to bring down once he gets past the initial line of scrimmage. He will be running behind the best offensive line he’s had by far in 2025. Robinson could be the forgotten star on Washington’s offense next season.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. ready for a big contract year