4 grossly underpaid Washington Commanders players in 2024
By Dean Jones
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $1.37 million
Much has been made about Eric Bieniemy's lack of offensive balance last season. The play-caller adopted a pass-happy scheme despite the offensive line being completely overwhelmed. The Washington Commanders suffered accordingly and the coach is no longer around.
This was even more frustrating when one considers the impression made by Brian Robinson Jr. The former third-round selection made a notable impression when carries and targets came his way. He went over 1,100 all-purpose yards and looked like a genuine three-down threat throughout.
All signs point to a legitimate breakout season for Robinson in 2024. The Alabama product should be among the offensive focal points under new coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. He's also got free-agent signing Austin Ekeler to take some pressure off while also providing useful advice during a critical third season in the pros.
Robinson feels an extra sense of connection with the current coaching staff that he didn't previously. This is something every modern-day player seems to prefer, so it could raise performance levels across the board if everything continues on a similar path as the summer unfolds.
The backfield threat is counting just $1.37 million against Washington's salary cap on the penultimate year of his deal. Robinson will know about the distinct lack of urgency to pay running backs the going rate unless they enter the truly elite category. That will be his primary objective above all else entering the upcoming campaign.
If Robinson learns some extra nuances from running backs coach Anthony Lynn and Ekeler, the sky's the limit. Not only will the player become a steal at the money attached to his Day 2 rookie contract, but it might also enhance his chances of a bigger payday from the Commanders or somewhere else in the not-too-distant future.
He'll need help, but having a dual-threat weapon such as Jayden Daniels alongside him in the backfield might provide an extra sense of space to flourish.