After a busy start to the legal tampering period in NFL free agency, one intriguing name still available is former Baltimore Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins.
The Ravens just signed former Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry, making a return to Baltimore now most likely out of the picture for Dobbins. With Dobbins likely signing with a new team for 2024, who are the remaining potential suitors in free agency?
J.K. Dobbins Free Agency Landing Spots
Before we dive into Dobbins’ pending future, he checked in as PFN’s No. 100 ranked free agent ahead of the upcoming new league year.
Monday’s action was dominated by Dobbins’ peers. Names like Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles), Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers), Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans), and Austin Ekeler (Washington Commanders) all agreed to new deals.
Henry followed with his two-year agreement the following day. But here are the teams left that can use Dobbins in their backfield.
Tony Pollard’s Replacement in Dallas?
Noted Monday by PFN: Dallas was among the biggest free agency losers.
The Cowboys’ failure to land Barkley, Jacobs, Ekeler, Henry, or even re-signing Pollard steered them to loser status on Monday. Dallas even missed on offering less expensive options like Antonio Gibson (New England Patriots) and Devin Singletary (New York Giants).
Dobbins obviously doesn’t come with Pro Bowl credentials, but he’s still young at 25, and it wasn’t long ago he scored nine touchdowns. He’s one of the best remaining running backs available. Jerry Jones and company have to find someone to help replace Pollard.
Las Vegas Raiders Need Backfield Depth
The Raiders had a mix of good and bad on Monday. The good was landing Christian Wilkins to bolster the interior defensive line. The bad was watching Jacobs leave.
That’s where Dobbins can potentially help to make up for the loss. While Vegas did re-sign Ameer Abdullah, it’s likely he won’t move to RB1 status.
Dobbins having a background as a bell-cow back, plus his age, could perhaps persuade the Raiders to give him a look. He also wouldn’t cost Las Vegas tons of money and can be a cheaper option to add.
New York Jets Could Use an Additional Back
Before free agency started, Dobbins was viewed as a fit for the Jets by PFN. While Breece Hall has flashed potential, Gang Green doesn’t have many options behind him. New York did give Dalvin Cook a chance, but that became a bust.
New York does have second-year pro Israel Abanikanda behind Hall, but the Jets need a move-the-chains type. Dobbins could still fit here.
Los Angeles Rams in Need of RBs
Yes, Kyren Williams emerged as a surprise Pro Bowl running back for a team that has a passing identity. But outside of Williams, there isn’t much in the “Rams House.”
Late 2023 free agent pickup Royce Freeman is likely not to return. Same with key reserve Ronnie Rivers (though he could return if the market is slow for him). Even if Rivers returns, he’s better suited as a third-down back.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position
But if the signing of former Detroit Lion Jonah Jackson at guard is any indication, it’s that Sean McVay is starting to create a downhill identity in L.A. Williams still needs to be kept fresh. Dobbins can be a key rotational piece.
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