Chargers free agent running back JK Dobbins will likely be in a new uniform next season despite signing a one-year deal this past offseason. According to one source, they believe the Chargers should bring back the veteran but chances of that happening are minimal. Originally selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State product hoped to adjust to a scenery under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh but still suffering from injuries, he’s likely nothing more than a liability. Nobody loves the ground game more than Harbaugh and while there were a few bright spots from Dobbins, it wasn’t enough to get over the hump in the wild-card loss against the Houston Texans.
Despite that, the running back made 13 starts while rushing for 905 yards and nine touchdowns under a 5.0 per-carry average. Those numbers look more like a journeyman so it is likely the Chargers will prioritize drafting a new halfback in this year’s draft. However, Dobbins is a workhouse that has a lot of football left but it might not be with the Chargers. He should receive some type of interest from the free agent market as the running back in a backup role since the Chargers can’t lean on him as the main option.
Chargers Will Probably Lose Free Agent Running Back JK Dobbins – Chiefs, Cowboys Among Logical Fits
5 Next Possible Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
There’s reason to believe veteran Kareem Hunt won’t return to the Chiefs after signing just a one-year contract to help in the running back corps in the absence of Isiah Pacheco. However, even though he had an unexpectedly stellar season, he should receive plenty of interest in March. RB3 Samaje Perine hasn’t been anything spectacular so they will need some backup help again. Perhaps, Dobbins might not be the main option anymore but he could share the snaps while he’s young to help Pacheco have fresh legs in the postseason.
Dallas Cowboys
This Dallas Cowboys offense needs a new running back in the worst way. After losing Tony Pollard last offseason, the team didn’t do anything but bring back veteran Ezekiel Elliott to help rejuvenate some nostalgia in Dallas. Rico Dowdle was solid but nothing special to offer him a long-term deal so he’ll likely be with a new team next season. The Cowboys will rely on the NFL Draft but the team might be too late to select standout Ashton Jeanty.
Dobbins might not be the primary option but it could help the Cowboys get some type of ground game going for their offense while they lay their hands on a few draft talents.
Carolina Panthers
It’s hard to imagine a backfield with just Chuba Hubbard as the lone man in that department. With Miles Sanders likely getting cut, the Panthers should find some type of veteran insurance policy to accommodate Hubbard. Second-year Jonathon Brooks probably won’t play at all this upcoming season after suffering a brutal injury. The Panthers won’t expect much from Dobbins but he could form a fiery duo with Hubbard if head coach Dave Canales plays his cards right.
Minnesota Vikings
There were some complaints earlier about running back Aaron Jones‘ performance so he’s likely out the door. Meanwhile, the Vikings should make it a priority to re-sign Cam Akers as he’s a reliable rotational running back. Minnesota will look for some help in the draft but they might benefit from Dobbins’ presence while they develop the next halfback.
Baltimore Ravens
A reunion may happen for a reason since backup Keaton Mitchell has been quiet in the running back department. Derrick Henry is running all over the place but they need someone other than Justice Hill to create a heavy three-set core group. Dobbins couldn’t stay in Baltimore in his last tenure with them but he should maintain health with a reduced workload.
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