Should Baltimore Ravens Re-Sign RB J.K. Dobbins?

Would re-signing running back J.K. Dobbins to complement Derrick Henry benefit the Baltimore Ravens?

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) breaks a tackle / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

Entering the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens looked like the best team in the NFL, and their regular-season record reflected that. However, after missing the Super Bowl, the team had 27 players hit free agency.

With just weeks remaining before the NFL Draft, Baltimore running back J.K. Dobbins remains a free agent, so will the Ravens re-sign him?

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) breaks a tackle / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

”I just don’t see a partnership working between the two,” Baltimore Beatdown writes. “There’s been not-so-private frustration from both sides. And with the Ravens bringing in running back Derrick Henry, it’s hard to imagine Dobbins wanting to share carries with Henry, Justice Hill, and eventually Keaton Mitchell. When healthy, there are few running backs Dobbins should be splitting time with, I believe.”

In 2020, Baltimore drafted Dobbins in the second round out of Ohio State University after he accounted for 2,250 yards and 23 touchdowns in his junior season with hopes he could be the backfield’s long-term starter. Unfortunately, despite never missing a game in college, Dobbins only played in 24 games during his four seasons with the team, making just 10 starts due to injury. 

Since joining the Ravens, Dobbins has suffered a torn ACL, LCL, hamstring, and Achilles. At just 25 years old, piled-up injuries have caused people to speculate whether or not Dobbins can ever play at the level he did when he entered the league. 

It’s an unfortunate start for Dobbins' career and to his credit, he has been explosive when on the field. He has averaged 5.8 yards per carry in his career while running for 1,347 yards and 12 touchdowns and flashing ability as a receiver. 

At the NFL Combine, Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta said he was still hopeful that the team could finalize a contract with Dobbins.

Whether or not Dobbins returns to the Ravens remains to be seen, but a one-year contract backing up Henry could provide the rusher with an explosive complement and show other teams that he still has what it takes to play in the NFL before potentially pursuing a bigger payday next off-season.