Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins A 'Bargain-Bin' Option In Free Agency?

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins is a free agent after suffering a season-ending injury in 2023.

Few players have been bitten by the injury bug harder than Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins. 

Dobbins suffered another season-ending injury in Week 1 with a torn Achilles against the Houston Texans. The injury came at the most inopportune time for the fourth-year running back as he's set to hit free agency this offseason. 

J.K. Dobbins dives in Week 1 vs. the Houston Texans / USA Today Sports

When Dobbins has been healthy, he's proven to be a solid option in the running game. Given his potential when he can stay on the field, Bleacher Report tabbed him as a "bargain-bin" option who can "solve roster issues" for a team in 2024. 

"Dobbins is almost sure to command a one-year, prove-it deal, likely at the league minimum," Bleacher Report writes. "Whichever team takes a flier on him could be getting a steal, provided he can stay healthy. The 25-year-old is a capable dual-threat who combines power and explosiveness."

The questions surrounding Dobbins don't relate to his play. For his career, he has averaged 5.8 yards per carry. In his rookie season in 2020, the Ohio State product ran for 805 yards and nine touchdowns and also caught 18 passes for 120 yards. 

Dobbins has struggled to stay on the field since then, as he has only played nine games after his rookie year due to a torn ACL in 2021 and missed nine games in 2022 because of a knee injury. 

Bleacher Report tabbed the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets as potential options for Dobbins. 

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For the Ravens, deciding to keep Dobbins will prove difficult. They have just over $5 million in cap space, according to Spotrac, and have important free agents at other positions. 

While Dobbins may prove to be a valuable option for a team on a cheap deal if he can stay healthy, it wouldn't be surprising if that deal leads him elsewhere outside of Baltimore.