J.K. Dobbins is still searching for alternative employment after no new deal arrived from the Los Angeles Chargers. Although options are diminishing, one potential landing spot looks painfully obvious.
Despite bouncing back from an injury-ravaged campaign with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, a willing suitor hasn't come forward for Dobbins as yet. The runner-up for NFL Comeback Player of the Year missed four games for the Chargers in 2024, but the explosiveness and power returned. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to get another commitment from the franchise.
Jim Harbaugh had other ideas, signing Najee Harris to become the Chargers' featured option. With other running back options on the open market preferred by others and how deep this year's draft class is, teams are biding their time before turning to Dobbins given his recent injury history.
That might sound harsh, but it's a cutthroat business.
It would be surprising if Dobbins wasn't on an NFL roster once the draft concludes. Teams could target the veteran if they miss out on a preferred prospect, so it's a wait-and-see situation for the dual-threat out of Ohio State. He'll be patient yet nervous after being overlooked up to now.
Former Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins linked with free-agent switch to the Broncos
Brad Gagnon from The Bleacher Report thought Dobbins could end up on the Denver Broncos when it's all said and done. The analyst thought this represents the perfect replacement for Javonte Williams, who left for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. He didn't rule out the Las Vegas Raiders, although they've been heavily linked with Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
"Finally healthy and happy in Greg Roman’s offense, the 2020 second-round pick was a strong Comeback Player of the Year candidate with 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns for the Chargers in 2024. Denver and Las Vegas are the top two teams to watch as [J.K.] Dobbins potentially stays in the AFC West. At least the Raiders brought in Raheem Mostert, while the Broncos lost Javonte Williams and could be more desperate because they’re closer to contender status."Brad Gagnon
The Broncos are a little light on running back options right now. Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime are solid, but it's nowhere near enough to move the needle and take pressure off promising quarterback Bo Nix.
Dobbins provides experience and proven production to the Broncos in this scenario. This also represents a good opportunity to start, which wouldn't be the case elsewhere with most backfield equations around the league already solidified.
There's no doubt Dobbins deserves another shot after galvanizing his career with the Chargers. The health concerns are legitimate and lingering. This is the biggest stumbling block putting teams off from making the former second-round pick an offer.
The Chargers going with Harris is a risk considering the punishment he's received over his career so far. He's gone over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four NFL seasons, but paying running backs always has an element of concern attached.
Dobbins is finding that out to his cost this offseason. All he can do is wait, stay ready, and maximize his next opportunity when it inevitably arrives.