Despite a strong season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, running back J.K. Dobbins remains a free agent. A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product struggled to stay healthy during his four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and had to sign a one-year deal with Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers. Entering the season as a backup, Dobbins outplayed Gus Edwards and finished the season with 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns while adding another 32 receptions for 153 yards through the air.
Even though he proved he can still play at an NFL level, no teams seem to have much interest in the free agent. While the Chargers used the UFA tender to potentially retain his rights in 2025, he’ll struggle to see the field ahead of veteran Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton. Because of this and his extensive injury history, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport believes he could be out of the league in short order if he returns to Los Angeles. With this in mind, Dobbins might choose to sign a cheap one-year deal with the following teams.
“Over five seasons, [Dobbins] has missed more games than he has played in. And while 2024 was the best season of his career, NFL teams appear unwilling to sign a player with such an extensive injury history,” Davenport writes. “And If something doesn’t give before camp opens, Dobbins could find himself buried on the Chargers’ depth chart or even out of the league altogether.”
Writer Warns Chargers J.K. Dobbins Could Be Out of the League Despite Strong 2024
Potential Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have a serviceable running back room of Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Elijah Mitchell, but it wouldn’t hurt to add someone like J.K. Dobbins to the mix. While his injury history makes him a somewhat risky signing, he offers more upside than anyone else on this depth chart. The Chiefs should have one of the league’s better offensive lines, and Dobbins is better at identifying blockers and reading rushing lanes. Pacheco’s downhill style is fun to watch, but he leaves too many yards on the field.
San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is reportedly healthy heading into 2025, but can the San Francisco 49ers really rely on him staying upright for an entire season? The two-time All-Pro is entering his age-29 season and has effectively missed three seasons to injury in his eight-year career. With no proven backup behind him, J.K. Dobbins could be an ideal free agent signing that should be able to produce in Kyle Shanahan’s friendly scheme. While they don’t have the most spending money, Dobbins shouldn’t break the bank with his contract demands.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a nice change of pace back in Jaylen Warren and a running back they hope can be their next starter in third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson. Johnson has the talent to eventually lead this backfield, but Pittsburgh could use a short-term starter. Seeing as this passing attack probably won’t break any records, the Steelers will likely rely on their running attack to do the heavy lifting. Dobbins can help ease the burden on Warren and Johnson while providing some boost as a three-down player.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – Imagn Images
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