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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Former Ohio State Buckeyes star struggling to find new team despite electric bounceback season in 2024
The life of an NFL running back is incredibly difficult. Not only do ball-carriers take an absolute beating each week, but their professional careers are as fickle as any position in the league. The free agency experience J.K. Dobbins is dealing with right now is a good snapshot of the challenges stars at the position can face.
Dobbins is by far PFF's highest-rated running back still on the market, and the 26-year-old is coming off his best season yet. The former Ohio State playmaker logged his most carries and yards and tied his previous touchdown record. An ankle injury cost him four games in 2024, but Dobbins was otherwise recovered from a 2021 ACL tear and a 2023 Achilles tear.
For several reasons, the 2019 Heisman Trophy candidate is facing an uphill battle to land a multi-year deal. Since entering the NFL, his injury history is concerning enough to limit guaranteed dollars beyond 2025. The 2025 NFL Draft class is also as deep with running backs as it ever has been.
Recently, Rico Dowdle, Aaron Jones, and Najee Harris have taken short-term deals. But those names were expected to receive solid offers, and the money they earned was respectable. What wasn't expected was seeing less-talented role players find homes before Dobbins.
Guys like AJ Dillon, Miles Sanders, Raheem Mostert, and Alexander Mattison are getting situated in new situations. A few of those guys might not even make their team's final 53-man roster. While it's a bit apples to oranges because Dobbins is surely looking to be at least a high-end No. 2 back, it's a surprising development.
There are still some openings for Dobbins, though. The AFC North is especially intriguing, as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati could use help. Denver, Houston, and Kansas City would be nice landing spots as well. Minnesota, Los Angeles Rams, and New Orleans are top NFC fits.
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