Here are three possible landing spots for Dobbins. There aren’t many options left for the teams to choose from in the free agency market as it’s running slim. J.K. Dobbins recently met with the Los Angeles Chargers for a visit to possibly answer their running back situation after Austin Ekeler signed with the Commanders. He could be set to reunite with offensive coordinator, Greg Roman to join forces with Jim Harbaugh.
Dobbins is coming off a season-ending injury from his 2023 campaign with the Ravens. However, he only played nine out of 51 games in the past three seasons which include missing the entire 2021 season. Dobbins spent those years under Roman and they could reignite their chemistry in Los Angeles with Harbaugh coming in. The Ohio State product put on an illustrious rookie year, notching 805 yards on 134 carries with nine touchdowns.
Injuries have been haunting him, especially coming off his first ACL tear in 2021. He may not be the same player but he could provide relief for a team that needs depth. His former teammate, Gus Edwards recently signed a contract with the Chargers and it would be like a family reunion if Dobbins lands there. If healthy, Dobbins and Edwards could be the same duo they were in Baltimore playing under Lamar Jackson.
This time they would be playing under franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. It seems like the right fit for both sides financially and an opportunity to rebuild the running back corps since Ekeler’s exit. According to a source, Dobbins is cleared for football activities, and his surgeon described him as “outstanding” in his recovery.
Three Possible Landing Spots for 1,300-Yard Running Back J.K. Dobbins
Dallas Cowboys
Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott remain interested in signing a contract with the Dallas Cowboys. However, the Cowboys are likely going to reunite with Elliott this upcoming offseason after mutual interest is emerging. Dallas doesn’t have a promising backfield with the likes of Deuce Vaughn, Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis who are all unproven. Adding someone like Dobbins would immediately bolster the running back corps to give them a boost in preparation for the draft this month.
Dobbins is looking for a restart in his career and Dallas is always about giving players second chances so it seems obvious that there’s a fit. The Cowboys have been quiet about adding any player this free agency. Despite that, they recently added Eric Kendricks from the Chargers to replace Leighton Vander-Esch to bolster their defense. However, they haven’t made any immediate move for their offense after losing Tyler Biadasz and long-time tackle, Tyron Smith.
It’s unlikely the Cowboys will enter the 2024 season with an inexperienced backfield. Pairing Dobbins with a potential draft pick this year would give the team a new start after losing Tony Pollard in free agency. It would give Vaughn and Dowdle one more year to learn behind the offense.
Baltimore Ravens
A reunion isn’t out of the question for the Ravens after signing Derrick Henry to a contract as their new starter. Running the offense under where he spent his last four seasons wouldn’t be a bad scenario for Dobbins. However, he wouldn’t immediately get the starting snaps as those belong to Henry. It would provide Henry some breathing room in case the workload is pressing him like it did with the Titans.
It’s a win-win for Dobbins too since he wouldn’t have to rush or be a workhouse when he returns. This would be up to John Harbaugh and the Ravens if they want to bring him back or go young in the NFL Draft.
Cincinnati Bengals
Dobbins may decide to stay in the AFC North to face his former team twice a year. The Bengals are still finding a way to replicate the same production of running back Joe Mixon. Adding Dobbins would give the backfield some relief. The signing of Zack Moss to the team would give him extra time to adjust to the new offense. They won’t fill Mixon’s shoes immediately but it provides a new opportunity for Dobbins to start new.
