The San Francisco 49ers may not have had the most efficient rushing attack in the NFL last year, as they averaged just 3.8 yards per carry through 2025, but now they will lose one of their top running backs in free agency.
While Christian McCaffrey is locked in as the team’s starter for the foreseeable, their top backup, Brian Robinson Jr., will hit the market when the new season begins in March.
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Last offseason, San Francisco acquired Robinson with a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he went on to rush for 400 yards, 4.3 yards per carry, and two touchdowns while catching eight passes for an additional 25 yards.
With Robinson entering free agency for the first time, Pro Football Focus projects he will receive a one-year, $2.75 million contract this offseason, with $2 million guaranteed.
“Robinson saw a reduced workload after being traded to the 49ers, playing a career-low 212 snaps as Christian McCaffrey’s backup,” they wrote. “On 95 carries, the former play-caller averaged 3.03 yards per contact attempt and forced 22 missed tackles. With an 82.7 career PFF rushing grade, the 26-year-old could compete for another committee-type role in 2026.”
For $2.75 million, the 49ers can definitely bring Robinson back in 2026, but they also have Jordan James and Isaac Gallendo on the roster, both of whom can serve as McCaffrey’s backup.
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It’s also possible San Francisco is looking for a depth running back to sign a veteran-minimum contract or a prospect in the draft to fill the void left by Robinson’s possible departure.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: PFF predicts 49ers’ Brian Robinson Jr.’s next free agent contract
