The first wave of free agency came and went with most big-name players finding new teams or, at the very least, visiting a few organizations. However, running back J.K. Dobbins is still a free agent, and there have been no reports of any team visits. Based on all public information, there doesn’t appear to be much interest in the former second-round pick as he works his way back from an Achilles injury.
J.K. Dobbins became a free agent after recording 234 carries for 1,347 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 27 receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown over four years. On a per-touch basis, his 5.8 yards per carry is second-best among running backs, trailing only De’Von Achane’s 7.8. While sharing a backfield with Lamar Jackson helps that efficiency, there is no denying that the Ohio State product is dangerous when on the field.
However, staying on the field has been an issue. J.K. Dobbins became a free agent after suffering an Achilles injury, which can be a kiss of death for running backs. This wasn’t his only serious injury, as he missed the entire 2021 season and a good chunk of 2022 while battling knee injuries.
Which Teams Could Sign J.K. Dobbins As A Free Agent?
Dobbins suffered his Achilles injury back in Week 1, which means that he has a decent chance of getting back on the field at the start of the 2024 season. The only question is if he’ll be on a roster at that point. While J.K. Dobbins can be effective when on the field, the free agent needs to prove that injuries haven’t sapped away his athletic abilities.
There is a good chance J.K. Dobbins goes back to the Ravens as a free agent. As it is, nobody’s going to give Dobbins a starting job, so he might as well go back to a familiar setting. Derrick Henry is the unquestioned starter, but this team could use a reliable backup. The two sides engaged in contract discussions before the season last year, so it’s clear the Ravens like what he brings to the table. A one-year deal that lets Dobbins reset his value makes a lot of sense for both sides.
Of course, there is a chance that J.K. Dobbins wants to try his luck with someone else as a free agent. If that happens, these teams could be willing to roll the dice on the former second-round pick.
Possible Destinations
New York Giants
The New York Giants face the unenviable task of trying to replace a great player in Saquon Barkley. While the team signed Devin Singletary to be the new starter, he’s not good enough to take over the entire three-down workload. J.K. Dobbins would provide some much-needed depth as a free agent and could even win the starting job if he completely regains his old form.
Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor earned his payday and is going to be the featured back for the Colts offense. However, this team needs to find somebody to replace Zack Moss. Moss was an unheralded star, coming out of nowhere to provide some much-needed support as a backup and spot starter. With the running back now in Cincinnati, somebody will have to fill that role. J.K. Dobbins is a good fit for the job, as the free agent should thrive alongside Anthony Richardson.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers can’t afford to cut Miles Sanders. However, just because he’s getting paid to be the starter doesn’t mean he should be the lead back in this offense. Sanders was one of the worst players in the league by just about every metric last year. Maybe that changes with Dave Canales calling the shots, but the team needs to bring in someone else to provide competition. J.K. Dobbins has the highest ceiling of any free agent remaining on the market and should be able to beat out Sanders if he’s even remotely healthy.
New Orleans Saints
This one all depends on how much the Saints like 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller. Alvin Kamara is still the unquestioned starter, but Jamaal Williams averaged just 2.9 yards per carry last year and Miller didn’t do much of anything. Perhaps they were easing the running back into a larger role, or perhaps they just believed Williams was the better player. If Miller can’t beat out Williams, then the Saints should consider signing J.K. Dobbins to a cheap free agent deal to compete for the backup spot.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers already signed one Ravens running back this offseason, so they might as well add another. Greg Roman was part of the brain trust that selected Dobbins back in the 2020 NFL Draft, so he obviously likes what he brings to the table. With no reliable depth behind Gus Edwards, Los Angeles have the pieces to try and recreate Baltimore’s rushing attack.
Main Photo: Brad Mills – USA Today Sports
