The NFL free agency market has been surprisingly hot for running backs, but some top names are still available, including Baltimore Ravens’ 2020 second-rounder J.K. Dobbins.
After the Ravens gave Derrick Henry a two-year, $16 million contract, it appears as if Dobbins will be searching for a new team. Now that other top running backs like Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, Aaron Jones, and D’Andre Swift have all found new teams, are there any suitors remaining?
J.K. Dobbins Free Agency Landing Spots
Once the Ravens inked a big-time deal with Henry, the writing was on the wall that Dobbins was unlikely to return to Baltimore. In recent years, the Ravens have also received premium production out of running backs like Gus Edwards, who is now with the Los Angeles Chargers, and youngster Keaton Mitchell.
Injuries have derailed what appeared to be a promising career for Dobbins coming out of Ohio State. In his rookie year, he suffered a torn ACL in the preseason finale against Washington. In 2022, after missing the first two weeks, Dobbins was cleared to be the full-time starter but suffered another knee injury in Week 6. Then, last season, he ruptured his Achilles in Week 1 against the Houston Texans.
Despite all of the injuries throughout his first four years, Dobbins has rushed for 1,347 yards and 13 total touchdowns in just 23 games.
Dallas Cowboys
Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn are the only two running backs worth mentioning currently under contract for the Dallas Cowboys. They lost Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans in free agency, and have a need for a veteran. In recent years, the Cowboys have treated running back like a non-premium position, but a low-cost flier on Dobbins makes sense.
The Cowboys have been frugal in free agency, losing key linemen like Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz to the rivaling Washington Commanders. They also lost long-time left tackle Tyron Smith to the New York Jets.
It’s unlikely that the Cowboys enter their 2024 campaign with this wildly inexperienced backfield. Pairing Dobbins with a draft pick and Vaughn would fill out the committee nicely.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are not desperate for a running back, especially because they’re paying Jonathan Taylor. However, behind Taylor are Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, and Tyler Goodson. It’s an inexperienced backfield behind their bell cow, but after all of these injuries for Dobbins, his best role might be suited as a backup.
Anthony Richardson will be easing into his return as the Colts’ starting QB after sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5. Taylor and Dobbins would be a formidable backfield for the young quarterback to entrust.
Cincinnati Bengals
After trading Joe Mixon to the Texans for cap relief, the Bengals don’t have a reliable running back for the first time in the Joe Burrow era. They added Zack Moss in free agency to pair with Chase Brown and Chris Evans, but this backfield feels like a committee.
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The Bengals have an opportunity to lure Dobbins back to Ohio — where he played his best football — and steal a once-prized prospect away from an AFC North rival.
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