Free agent running back J.K. Dobbins is coming off the most productive season of his five-year career, yet no team has signed him. Of the top remaining free agent backs, Dobbins is only older than Cam Akers, making his age one of his most intriguing traits. Let’s take a closer look at Dobbins’ offseason so far.
Why is RB J.K. Dobbins Still Unsigned?
The Los Angeles Chargers decided to name Dobbins a compensatory free agent, which means he is considered a top 35% player based on his salary and playing time. In essence, the Chargers do not plan to retain Dobbins, and if they lose more compensatory free agents than they sign, they get a compensatory draft pick in return.
Dobbins has an extensive injury history for a player just now entering his prime. He broke his leg in high school and missed his entire senior season. He missed the entire 2021 NFL season with a torn ACL, LCL, and hamstring.
Another knee surgery came in 2022, leading to six missed games before he tore his Achilles early in 2023. Last year with the Chargers, Dobbins missed four more games with a knee sprain.
Due to injury history, NFL teams will not view Dobbins as an every-down workhorse. Despite 2024 being a career season, much of that can be attributed to a blistering start. His production tailed off as he only managed to pick up 5+ yards on 31.3% of carries, down from 38% in 2022-23.
Analyzing the Market for J.K. Dobbins
Free agents are looking for a favorable contract, a favorable fit, or a championship contender. Not only has Dobbins already been replaced by Najee Harris on the Los Angeles Chargers, but he is also competing against other free agent running backs like Nick Chubb, Gus Edwards, Jamaal Williams, and Chase Edmonds for a contract.
If Dobbins is rightfully analyzed as a guy who cannot be an every-down back, he needs to be a change-of-pace back, as he also cannot be considered a receiving back with only 59 career receptions. The question for Dobbins then becomes whether he is a better change-of-pace option than the other available backs.
The 2025 NFL Draft has also come and gone, bringing in a new crop of running back talent. Holes were filled with Ashton Jeanty heading to the Raiders and Quinshon Judkins to the Browns. Dobbins may have to go the Kareem Hunt route and wait for injuries to play out during the season before he lands somewhere.
