J.K. Dobbins Top Landing Spots: Updated 2025 NFL Free Agency Outlook

J.K. Dobbins was coming off another devastating injury to begin the 2024 season. A torn Achilles tendon ended his 2023 season in Week 1. The veteran back had lobbied for a new contract in the run-up to the 2023 season, so this was an incredibly tough blow for Dobbins's prospects. He wound up signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. Even though he was returning from an injury that usually dooms running backs, Dobbins defied the odds and had a career year in 2024. He set career highs in carries, rushing yards, receptions, and receiving yards. Dobbins also tied a career-high with nine rushing touchdowns.

It all seemed too good to be true. Apparently, NFL teams feel that was the case, as Dobbins remains unsigned so far this offseason. Teams appear hesitant to sign a back with such an extensive injury history coming off a career season. The other factor working against Dobbins is the strength of the incoming rookie running back class. Teams seem to be aware of the strength of the rookie class and might be waiting to address the running back position in the NFL Draft before signing a veteran like Dobbins.

Despite his injury history, it would be surprising to see him go unsigned. NFL coaches usually adore trusted veteran backs, so he should eventually find a home. Let’s take a few minutes and discuss several possible landing spots for free agent running back J.K. Dobbins.

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Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers chose not to re-sign Najee Harris to a new contract this offseason. The team is now looking for a new lead back. Pittsburgh has familiarity with Dobbins as he played for the division-rival Baltimore Ravens for four seasons.

Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell are the other backs of note on the Steelers’ roster. They are nice players, but neither profile as an RB1. Dobbins would slide in as the team’s top back, and this would be a good landing spot for his fantasy football value.

JK DOBBINS. GO-AHEAD TD WITH 18 SECONDS LEFT.

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— NFL (@NFL) November 18, 2024

Pittsburgh may choose to address the position in the NFL Draft and has previously shown they are not afraid to use a Day 1 pick on a running back. However, the team does need a quarterback and could use the 21st overall pick on a signal-caller. Doing so wouldn’t necessarily stop them from taking a back later in the draft.

Even though this would be a good landing spot for his fantasy value, signing with Pittsburgh may not be a realistic option for Dobbins.

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles recently signed Harris to a one-year contract. The team is also rumored to be in the market for a running back in the NFL Draft. However, Dobbins does have a long history with offensive coordinator Greg Roman and has shown he can still play at a high level.

It looks like the Chargers have moved on, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team bring him back as we get further into the offseason. Dobbins likely wouldn’t lead the backfield in touches again, as there will be more competition for touches this year.

Cincinnati Bengals

While the Bengals have said they were happy with Chase Brown’s development last year, they are also on record as saying they want to lighten his workload in 2025. That means there could be room for another back to produce in this offense and emerge as a viable fantasy football option.

Dobbins would form a nice one-two punch with Brown and could maintain some fantasy value, depending on the role he plays for Cincinnati. However, the Bengals might be looking for a bigger back to pair with Brown. Dobbins doesn’t really fit this mold, so this might not be where he winds up.

Still, Dobbins would be an appealing back if does sign with Cincinnati. He could have standalone value and would emerge as a must-start player if Brown is forced to miss time.

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