Even if running back isn’t the Kansas City Chiefs’ top priority going into free agency, which kicks off on March 13, there is a depth problem behind starter and third-year back Isiah Pacheco.
Because of this, Bet Maryland lists the Chiefs as one of the favorites to sign running back J.K. Dobbins, a pending free agency.
The Chiefs (+800) are second-best to sign Dobbins, slightly behind division foe Los Angeles Chargers (+550), who are the favorites to sign the fourth-year back. This information comes from Bet Maryland
What You Should Know About J.K. Dobbins DespiteEven though Dobbins, 25, is about to embark on his fifth season in the NFL, we must first quickly review his time in college before moving on to his NFL career.
In his final year of college, Dobbins’ junior year at Ohio State made history as the first running back in Ohio State history to carry for over 2,000 yards (2,003) in a single season in addition to recording 21 rushing touchdowns.
In addition, as a freshman, sophomore, and junior, he became the first player from OSU to rush for more than 1,000 yards. Dobbins’s resume was there to demonstrate his skill as a back.
For this reason, he was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens with the 55th overall choice in the 2020 NFL Draft.
However, Dobbins has sustained injuries since joining the NFL.
According to Fantasy Doctors, he has missed 42 games in total during his four years with the Ravens due to several, serious injuries (Achilles, ACL).
Despite a somewhat short sample size overall, Dobbins has looked good while healthy despite his injuries.
With 234 career carries, he is averaging 5.8 yards per rush.
But given how much Dobbins’ NFL career has been marred by injuries, it’s difficult to ignore them.
For this reason, Dobbins will probably be allowed to go during free agency by Baltimore, which will allow him to sign a one-year, prove-it contract with another team.
Dobbins would fit well in the backfield for Kansas City.
Pacheco’s physical play style and Dobbins’ elusiveness would complement each other nicely in the second half of games when the Chiefs are attempting to run out the clock.
Dobbins’ knee and Achilles, which are now receiving rehabilitation after being torn in the 2023 regular season opener, would need to be examined by Kansas City’s medical team first.
After everything is in order, the parties may talk about the conditions of the contract.
Assume that Spotrac’s computed market value, which is a two-year contract of $4.3 million, or an average annual value (AAV) of $2.1 million, served as the benchmark for Dobbins’ contract.
Let’s additionally assume that the majority of the deal’s guaranteed funds are front-loaded.
In that case, I believe Dobbins should be signed by the Chiefs.
It’s okay if they need to include certain incentives in the contract as well.
If he’s doing well enough to qualify for those rewards, he’d be well worth the money.
The possibility of Dobbins joining the two-time defending Super Bowl champions this offseason has also been debated by users on X, formerly Twitter.
“Fwiw, even with Pacheco, the #chiefs have a slight need for RB this season.
Personally, I think JK Dobbins should be included,” a user commented. “Has injuries but may be able to get back to form in a backfield that functions like a committee.”
“I have yet to meet someone who does not believe that the Chiefs should improve their running back room: offer me a mid-round pick and one-year contract with JK Dobbins,” said a different user.
