The 2024 NFL season might have marked the rebirth of the running back position. Names like Bijan Robinson, Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley put a spotlight on their talents, running away with multiple awards and accolades. However, an underrated name among top running backs was J.K. Dobbins.
Replaced by Henry in Baltimore, Dobbins went on to have a career year with the Los Angeles Chargers, tallying 905 yards and nine touchdowns to help an offense that relied more heavily on the run game than in years past.
Now, in free agency, one analyst believes the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and the Denver Broncos could be the potential landing spots for Dobbins.
Does J.K. Dobbins Fit With the Broncos, Steelers or Browns?
In addition to his rushing stats, Dobbins was solid as a pass catcher, tallying 153 yards on just 32 receptions in Los Angeles. At the end of the day, the case for Dobbins is simple: “He has the most upside in this free agency class,” wrote PFSN’s Ben Rolfe.
Now, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton suggests the Broncos, Steelers, and the Browns as the potential landing spots for the 26-year-old.
“Dobbins has yet to play through an entire season. He missed one game during his 2020 rookie year while on the COVID-19 list. That said, his mostly healthy and productive 2024 campaign should help him garner suitors.
“In 37 games, he has averaged 5.2 yards per carry. He has the efficiency to take on a featured role, though teams should pair him with a running back who can make big plays in the short passing game. The sixth-year veteran has 59 receptions for 330 yards and a touchdown.
“Still in his mid-20s, Dobbins could perform optimally for the next few years if he stays healthy.”
The Browns are unlikely to re-sign Nick Chubb, who is also a free agent, leaving them with a big void in the running game that was already struggling last season. While Dobbins might not be able to improve the rush game singlehandedly, pairing him with first-round prospects like Ashton Jeanty or Omario Hampton should help Cleveland’s run game tremendously.
The Broncos were one of the worst rush offenses in the league last season, with no player totaling more than 513 rushing yards, which came courtesy of Javonte Williams, who is now a Dallas Cowboy. As a result, Dobbins could be a significant upgrade to this RB room and help improve the offense that ranked 16th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are in desperate need of a runner after letting Najee Harris walk away in free agency. Harris was one of the most consistent players in the Steelers’ offense, topping 1,000 rushing yards each year.
Once free agency opened, Harris took his talents to Los Angeles and signed with the Chargers. That move left Pittsburgh with a void in the ground game, and given the upside Dobbins has shown in 2024, he could be a great replacement for Harris.