Atlanta Falcons sign RB Brian Robinson Jr.

Robinson joins Bijan Robinson in Falcons backfield after stints with Commanders, 49ers

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:10am

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The Atlanta Falcons have signed free agent running back Brian Robinson. Robinson entered the league as a third-round pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2022 NFL Draft and topped 700 yards on the ground in each of his first three seasons. He spent the 2025 season with the San Francisco 49ers as the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey.

Why it matters

The Falcons were expected to add to their backfield this offseason after Tyler Allgeier signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Robinson, who has shown toughness and production in his young career, will now team up with star running back Bijan Robinson to form a potent one-two punch in the Falcons' offense.

The details

Robinson exhibited supreme toughness early in his career, as he was the victim of an armed robbery attempt in Washington D.C. and was shot twice in his lower body as a rookie. He missed only the first four games of the 2022 season and led the Commanders with 797 rushing yards. Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Robinson started 28 games and gained 2,059 yards from scrimmage with 17 total touchdowns. He was then traded to the 49ers before the 2025 season, where he served as the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey, carrying the ball 92 times for 400 yards and two touchdowns.

  • Robinson was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
  • As a rookie in 2022, Robinson missed the first 4 games of the season due to injuries sustained in an armed robbery attempt.
  • Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Robinson started 28 games for the Commanders and appeared in 3 playoff games.
  • Before the 2025 season, Robinson was traded from the Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers.
  • In 2025, Robinson appeared in all 17 games for the 49ers as the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey.

The players

Brian Robinson Jr.

A 25-year-old running back who was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has spent time with the Commanders and 49ers.

Bijan Robinson

The star running back for the Atlanta Falcons who has drawn comparisons to Christian McCaffrey.

Tyler Allgeier

The former Falcons running back who signed with the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent this offseason.

Christian McCaffrey

The star running back for the San Francisco 49ers, whom Brian Robinson Jr. backed up in 2025.

Washington Commanders

The NFL team that drafted Brian Robinson Jr. in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft and traded him to the 49ers before the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The addition of Brian Robinson Jr. to the Falcons' backfield alongside star Bijan Robinson gives Atlanta a potent one-two punch at running back, providing depth and versatility to the offense as the team looks to build on its success from the previous season.