Former Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins may be the most intriguing ball-carrier still available in free agency. Dobbins exploded out of his shell as a rookie in 2020, rushing for 805 yards, scoring nine touchdowns, and averaging six yards per carry.
Injuries have since complicated Dobbins' outlook. A season-ending knee injury in 2021 essentially derailed 2022 and 2023. Dobbins appeared in just one contest this past season. The former Ohio State standout rushed for 22 yards as he continued attempting to overcome adversity.
Dobbins is available on a low-cost, short-term flier. We've identified three potential fits for Dobbins in free agency.
DALLAS COWBOYS
The Cowboys have been extremely frugal throughout the early portion of free agency. They've lost contributors such as Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz to their rival Washington Commanders. The Cowboys have yet to acquire an outside free agent.
They also lost starting running back Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans via a three-year, $24 million contract. Dallas' depth chart at running back now reads Deuce Vaughn, Snoop Conner, and Malik Davis. This inexperienced trio has combined to carry the ball 73 times for 243 yards and two touchdowns throughout their entire careers.
The Cowboys can't possibly enter the season without adding a more dynamic back. Jerry Jones' confidants are treating running back like a non-premium position. Pairing a draft pick (it's a necessity) with a high-ceiling back like Dobbins would be a worthwhile gamble.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders lost Josh Jacobs to free agency. Jacobs signed a four-year deal worth $48 million with the Green Packers. Jacobs' departure leaves new head coach Antonio Pierce without a proven player in the backfield.
Zamir White is the new starter, but the Raiders flirted with Austin Ekeler, who ultimately signed in Washington. They're clearly intrigued by pairing White with a veteran. White's current backup is a 30-year-old Ameer Abdullah, who recently re-signed via a one-year contract despite initially being acquired by Josh McDaniels and the previous regime.
White was drafted with the 122nd selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was positioned to be Jacobs' eventual successor, but general manager Tom Telesco should add a more dynamic backup than Abdullah. Las Vegas would be a great place for Dobbins to kickstart his career.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Colts' starting offense has essentially been left untouched from last season thus far. General manager Chris Ballard has focused on retaining his own defensive players. Re-signing Kenny Moore II and Grover Stewart qualifies as Ballard's biggest moves through the first wave.
Losing backup quarterback Gardner Minshew and running back Zack Moss will make an impact on the offense. Moss particularly formed a good pairing with Jonathan Taylor last season. While Taylor's workload will likely increase in 2024, Ballard should appropriately replace Moss. I don't think Trey Sermon or Evan Hull can produce what Moss offered the team in 2023. Signing in Indianapolis would allow Dobbins to slowly ease back into NFL action.
