When the Baltimore Ravens selected J.K. Dobbins with the 55th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, they hoped to find their next superstar running back. Unfortunately, due to multiple significant injuries, Dobbins couldn’t find the success everyone envisioned during his tenure in Baltimore. However, after signing a one-year prove-it deal with the Los Angeles Chargers last offseason, the 26-year-old had his best season to date and may be on the verge of breaking out.
Dobbins was a key factor in the Chargers’ offense, finishing the season with a career-high 905 yards and matching his rookie season total in touchdowns with nine across 13 games. While he suffered an MCL sprain in a Week 12 loss to the Ravens on Monday Night Football, he was able to return to the field and finish the season healthy. Now, he could be looking for a new home. However, with the running back resurgence that saw signings like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, along with other star running backs dominating defenses, Dobbins should have no problem finding a landing spot.
According to Spotrac, the four-year veteran is expected to make an annual salary of just over $4 million on a two-year contract this offseason. While the injury history is certainly a red flag, the talent is undoubtedly there. Let’s look at some teams that could be interested in Dobbins.
3 free agent destinations for J.K. Dobbins
Dallas Cowboys
A Houston, Texas native, it would be a homecoming if Dobbins were to sign with the Cowboys in the coming weeks. While fourth-year running back Rico Dowdle had a breakout season with 1,079 yards for Dallas in 2024, he only found the end zone three times, and the Cowboys had just six rushing touchdowns as a team. Signing Dobbins could help form a dangerous tandem in the Cowboys’ backfield while also giving them a proven goal-line back.
Denver Broncos
If the Chargers don’t retain Dobbins, an AFC West rival could swoop in and sign him. The Broncos made the playoffs last season on the back of elite defensive play and a terrific rookie campaign from quarterback Bo Nix. They did this without consistent production from the running back position, and Dobbins could be the perfect player to fill that void. While they may need some insurance in case injuries resurface, a breakout season from 2024 fifth-round pick Audric Estime could provide additional support in the backfield.
Los Angeles Chargers
While it’s the least exciting option, this could be the most logical move for Dobbins. If the Chargers are open to bringing him back, there’s no reason for him to leave Los Angeles. Throughout his career, Dobbins has played with a Harbaugh on the sideline, and there’s a strong level of confidence he carries in that environment. This past season, the Chargers placed a greater emphasis on the run game, and Dobbins could make his biggest impact by staying put.