Remains a free agent as free agency progresses into the second wave of free agency now following the 2025 NFL Draft. After a season with the Los Angeles Chargers, it was appearing as though he would not return there with them signing Najee Harris, and drafting Omarion Hampton.
Yet, the Chargers added an unrestricted free agent tag on Dobbins, giving them first dibs to negotiate a contract with Dobbins, or match an offer another team makes. It would still be wise for Dobbins to sign elsewhere in 2025 on a team with a less crowded running back room.
This still leaves speculation as to where Dobbins will actually play for the 2025 NFL season. But for any team to be interested in Dobbins, the Pittsburgh Steelers should have interest.
Pittsburgh Steelers Sign JK Dobbins
With losing Najee Harris to the Chargers in free agency, this has left Pittsburgh with a need to fill out their depth at the running back position. Dobbins then becomes the ideal fit to compete for the starting role for the Steelers.
JK Dobbins 2024 Season Review
JK Dobbins signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers at the start of the 2024 season. This was after the Baltimore Ravens let him walk in free agency after Dobbins had played just one game in 2023 before missing the remainder of the season with an Achilles injury.
Dobbins went on to rush for 905 yards, and nine touchdowns over 195 carries last season. Since joining the league in 2020, Dobbins has averaged 5.2 yards per carry. There are only two running backs that have rushed for more while having at least 300 attempts, those running backs are Jahmyr Gibbs and De’Von Achane.
JK Dobbins, when healthy, has proven to be a consistent force on the ground, and 2024 further showed he can still have that impact.
Why the Steelers Will Sign JK Dobbins
With JK Dobbins already knowing the AFC North style of play from his four years on the Baltimore Ravens, he should slot right back in on the Steelers. Not to mention his style of running would excel in Arthur Smith’s offense, and a duo of Dobbins and their new draft pick in Kaleb Johnson would be beneficial moving forward. Johnson has a lot of potential to take over the lead spot down the line, but with Dobbins already having the starting experience, and proven impact ability, he can help mentor Johnson, and create a sustainable rotation overall for the Steelers to keep both backs fresh as the season progresses.
Having a backfield duo that includes Dobbins would prove to be beneficial for the Steelers amidst their quarterback uncertainty. If they sign a veteran like Aaron Rodgers, or decide to go with their rookie quarterback in Will Howard, JK Dobbins would help be a focal point in helping take pressure off whoever is under center by giving them a reliable starter to count on.
