The running back market is quite thin after the first few waves of free agency, but another may find his home for 2024 sooner rather than later.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins was “cleared” for football activities on Tuesday.
Dobbins, a second-round pick in 2020, suffered another season-ending injury in 2023, tearing his Achilles in Week 1. However, Dr. Neal ElAttrache wrote in a letter to select teams, noting Dobbins looks “outstanding” coming off a torn Achilles.
Here are the top-three landing spots for the 25-year-old.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been arguably the least active team this offseason, but head coach Mike McCarthy says more running back help is on the way with just Rico Dowdle, an undrafted rookie in 2020, and Deuce Vaughn, a sixth-round pick in 2023, currently highlighting the room.
“We’re not done with that room,” McCarthy told reporters at the annual league meeting on Tuesday.
Dobbins could be exactly what salary cap-strapped Dallas needs. He would come at a low price but pay off if he can stay healthy.
In 2022, Dobbins led the league in rush yards (397) and yards per carry (7.0) from Weeks 14 to 17, according to NFL Network’s Maurice Jones-Drew.
Baltimore Ravens
It’s difficult to argue against a reunion between Dobbins and the Ravens, where he’s spent the first four years of his NFL career. Head coach John Harbaugh also revealed that the team would be interested in bringing him or Dalvin Cook back.
“If we bring one of those two guys back, I’d be happy to do it,” Harbaugh said. “If we’re not able to do it, we’ll find some young guys.”
Baltimore signed former Titans running back Derrick Henry this offseason, so Dobbins wouldn’t have to rush back or even be the workhorse when he does return. It could be the perfect scenario for Dobbins, who is looking to get his NFL career back on track.
Cincinnati Bengals
If the Ravens do opt to get younger at the position, Dobbins may decide to stay in the AFC North to face his former team at least two times a year.
The Bengals must find a way to replicate the production of running back Joe Mixon (257 carries, 1,034 yards in 2023), who was traded to the Texans this offseason.
Cincinnati signed Zack Moss in free agency to help fill the void left by the team’s third all-time leading rusher, but he won’t be able to fill Mixon’s shoes alone.
So, why not pair Dobbins with Moss in what would be one of the more interesting RB duos in the league?
