If the Washington Commanders all-in rookie RB Brian Robinson Jr. as the lead runner, there will be questions about the future role of third-year RB Antonio Gibson.
It’s a hard reality for fans to grasp, but trading Gibson at the right cost will no doubt be discussed before the regular season begins.
After suffering bad luck against the Carolina Panthers last week, Washington chose to use Robinson in the first-team offense Saturday afternoon in the team’s 24-14 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Gibson, trying to finish his season with his first 1,000 yards, played mostly on pass downs in the first half. He recorded three catches for 37 yards, including a 22-yard gain during the team’s touchdown drive in the second quarter.
At Lampley, Gibson offered little to no value. He lost by two yards in one play. Next time it was five times. Drafted in his third round from Alabama, Robinson averaged 3.9 yards per play for 31 yards where he recorded eight carries.
Washington should be careful if it chooses to field call Gibson before their Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since the relegation, Gibson has largely been a special teams factor serving as the team’s new return man.
In a way, he has a home in the return game. On Saturday, Gibson averaged a team-high 17 yards per return. Special teams coordinator Nate Katsow was a fan of his work ethic in the role after Rivera chose to give Robinson a ton of carry.
“Antonio is a big man,” Cachor said earlier this week. “So big returners with speed, like running the ball offensively, are harder to tackle.”
Gibson’s goal is to see the field as a back feature. He’s on a contract for two more seasons, so asking for a trade will do little. He also provides depth in the position Washington needs and is an effective receiver from the backfield .
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Everything in life has a price. Given the right offer, general manager Martin Mayhew will transfer Gibson, secure 2023 draft funding, and debate over which running back is the “right” choice for coordinator Scott Turner’s offense. can be terminated.
With two years left on his current four-year, $4.93 million contract, teams interested in Gibson may have to give up mid-round picks. A third or potentially compensatory fourth round choice could start a dialogue between the two parties. Anything else added sweetens the deal to become official.
When looking at teams that might enter the running back market, the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders come to mind. Atlanta he averaged 3.7 yards of carry in 2021 and did little to improve his vicious offseason running game. Houston’s average of 3.4 yards per carry last fall was the lowest in the league. Las Vegas is reportedly linked to trade rumors surrounding fourth-year pro Josh Jacobs.
Does one of the listed options work? Do something about it?
Washington may be interested to see how the regular season unfolds before offering a worthy running back on the open market. It may not be much more until the person in charge becomes important.
Washington has options in the backfield. There are also trading market options. And somewhere in between, a decision has to be made about the future with Gibson’s organization.
If demoted, commanders should do everything in their power to regain value for the better positioned players.
It’s not personal to Gibson, it’s business to the Commander.
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