How do you say ‘bye’ without actually saying it?

The San Francisco 49ers’ list of pending free agents doesn’t include too many prominent names; the biggest likely being wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who’ll be a tough re-sign candidate.

Another less-known name is worth monitoring, though, running back Brian Robinson Jr.

The Niners picked up the 2022 third-round draftee from the Washington Commanders on the eve of the regular season last August, hoping he’d be a perfect complementary tailback to pair with All-Pro Christian McCaffrey, who was returning from nearly a yearlong injury absence the year prior.

Yet the one-two tandem never truly materialized, as McCaffrey continued to get the lion’s share of touches, while Robinson was relegated to sporadic offensive duties and special teams roles.

Over 17 games, none of them starts, San Francisco’s No. 2 tailback tallied 400 rush yards on 92 attempts with two touchdowns, adding another 25 yards on eight receptions. He also had 13 kick returns for 378 yards.

Those are modest second-string numbers, perhaps. But the former Commanders starter would probably be eyeing a larger role once he hits the open market.

And that pretty much dictates his future in the Bay Area.

Brian Robinson hints at a 49ers free-agent farewell

Posting on his Instagram account, Robinson shared a post that read, “all love Niner Gang. Faithful to the Bay.”

That doesn’t particularly sound like a post from someone who is announcing a return to the roster this upcoming season. Rather, it sounds like a fond farewell from someone who probably enjoyed his brief tenure with San Francisco but ultimately wants to explore more provocative pastures.

Soon to be 27 years old, and after recording three consecutive 700-yard seasons with Washington prior to being dealt to the 49ers, it’d be understandable why Robinson would seek out a better opportunity where he could play a more impactful role.

He won’t get that with the Niners, at least not with CMC still very much cemented atop the depth chart.

And San Francisco would be wise to move on, too, especially as it looks to mix in its 2025 rookie, Jordan James, after he made his NFL debut deep in the postseason.

It won’t be officially official until the start of the league new year, but all signs point to RObinson suiting up elsewhere this upcoming season.