Despite recording over 1,000 yards from scrimmage last year, running back J.K. Dobbins is still a free agent. A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product struggled to stay healthy during his first four seasons in the league and had to sign a one-year, prove-it contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. Dobbins made the most of his opportunity, playing in 13 games while making a career-high 11 starts for Jim Harbaugh’s squad. During his time on the field, the running back recorded 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns while adding an additional 153 yards as a receiver.
Despite his multiple injuries, last year proved that J.K. Dobbins can still play, and he should find a new team before long. According to NFL Network, the Chicago Bears could sign Dobbins in the coming days, but they won’t be the only team interested in his services.
J.K. Dobbins
Bears?
Stephon Gilmore
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NFL Network: Chicago Bears “Best Fit” For J.K. Dobbins
It’s easy to see why the Chicago Bears would be interested in J.K. Dobbins. First-year head coach Ben Johnson reportedly tried to trade up for a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft and, while that ultimately didn’t happen, it shows he’s not happy with the current state of the depth chart. Current starter D’Andre Swift is coming off a rough season and couldn’t carve out a role for himself when he and Johnson worked together in Detroit. Former fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson, meanwhile, is nothing more than an unremarkable depth piece.
Dobbins could probably start for the Bears, and it makes sense for Chicago to target the veteran. However, don’t be surprised if he signs with one of these other organizations.
Other Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl with Isiah Pacheco and the aging Kareem Hunt leading their backfield. Now set to reprise their roles, the Chiefs could use more talent in their backfield. J.K. Dobbins is better than Pacheco and Hunt when healthy, and his ability to make plays as both a runner and a receiver could make him a dangerous part of this passing attack.
Arizona Cardinals
James Conner remains atop Arizona’s depth chart, but the longtime veteran isn’t getting any younger. 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson didn’t show much as a rookie, and head coach Jonathan Gannon needs to start winning games to keep his job. If Benson can’t handle a larger workload, then the Cardinals could sign Dobbins to provide a fierce 1-2 punch in the backfield.
New Orleans Saints
Much like the Cardinals, the New Orleans Saints lack reliable depth behind their aging starting running back. The New Orleans Saints have a lot of work to do on their roster, and running back is not the biggest priority. However, second-round Tyler Shough needs support to become a franchise quarterback, and adding more stability to the run game could increase his odds of becoming the long-awaited heir to Drew Brees.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – Imagn Images
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