Brian Robinson Jr. Emerges as Potential Lions Backfield Complement to Jahmyr Gibbs

The former Washington and San Francisco running back could provide the power running presence Detroit lost in David Montgomery trade.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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With the trade of David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, the Detroit Lions are in need of a physical, between-the-tackles running back to complement the explosiveness of Jahmyr Gibbs. Brian Robinson Jr., a free agent coming off four solid seasons with Washington and San Francisco, could be an affordable and logical fit to fill that role.

Why it matters

The Lions' backfield duo of Montgomery and Gibbs was one of the most effective in the NFL last season. Finding the right replacement for Montgomery's power-running style is crucial to maintaining that offensive balance and production.

The details

Robinson has established himself as a reliable, physical runner, averaging 4.1 yards per carry over his career. His experience in shared backfields, including most recently behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, makes him a natural pairing with the speedy and versatile Gibbs. At a projected one-year, $3 million contract, Robinson would also provide an affordable option for the Lions to address this need.

  • Robinson is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 offseason.
  • The Lions traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in March 2023.

The players

Brian Robinson Jr.

A 25-year-old running back who has spent the last four seasons in the NFL, most recently with the San Francisco 49ers.

Jahmyr Gibbs

The Detroit Lions' explosive second-year running back, known for his speed and receiving ability.

David Montgomery

The former Detroit Lions running back, known for his physical, between-the-tackles running style, who was traded to the Houston Texans in March 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Robinson has built his NFL reputation as a powerful, downhill runner, the exact style that complemented Gibbs so effectively in Detroit's offense.”

— Jeff Bilbrey, Author (yahoo.com)

“That experience working in a shared backfield could make him a natural pairing with Gibbs in Detroit.”

— Jeff Bilbrey, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Robinson is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 offseason, so the Lions will need to act quickly if they want to sign him to a contract.

The takeaway

By adding Brian Robinson Jr. to their backfield, the Detroit Lions could find an affordable and effective replacement for the power-running presence they lost in the David Montgomery trade, creating a complementary duo with the explosive Jahmyr Gibbs.