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Commanders Star Trade Tops Rumor Mill

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 9:46 PM ET

The Washington Commanders' run game in 2024 under Kliff Kingsbury was one of the best in football, with Jayden Daniels and Brian Robinson Jr. leading the way.

Averaging a crisp 149.1 yards, it was tough to stop Kingsbury's vast array of backs, each offering the offense their own unique skills.

But as we approach the 2025 season, there is an element of unknown about the running back situation because none are under contract beyond this upcoming season.

Considering the deep running back class, there are thoughts that the Commanders could take a younger back and develop him behind Daniels. And that means someone misses out.

For Pro Football Network, Austin Ekeler is a name being thrown up as a potential trade candidate.

"Washington has a deep running back room after returning all four of its top RBs from 2024," Pro Football Network writes. "However, all of them are on expiring contracts, leaving the future of the position uncertain. Of the group, Austin Ekeler is the oldest back (he turns 30 in May)."

Exactly how many teams would be interested in Ekeler at this point in his career is unknown, but as part of a running back committee, there is no doubt Austin has value.

We would also add that one of the top rumors right now involves Washington running back brian Robinson Jr. … Who also has star quality.

We just aren't sure how valid trading away a pick in what will be a deep running back class is.

Either way, the Commanders need to find a long-term solution to their run game, and that could easily come via the draft, and maybe trading away Ekeler for an extra pick, might be worth a consideration.

But it's a long shot.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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