The Baltimore Ravens’ rushing attack is one of the most storied elements of the franchise’s history. It’s impossible to talk about Ravens football without mentioning running backs and offensive lines that punched defenses in the mouth.
Whether it was superstar backs like Jamal Lewis or diamonds in the rough like Justin Forsett, Baltimore has always had a running back in their system that’s a threat. In the same breath, there have been ballcarriers whose careers never got off the ground with the Ravens. For J.K. Dobbins, injuries tarnished his Raven career, but he could get a second chance at glory.
Ravens linked as potential landing spot for Dobbins
SportsCasting’s Gia Nguyen ranked Dobbins as one of the six best remaining free agents. She listed the Ravens as a potential landing spot, along with the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos. The former Ohio State Buckeye is coming off the best campaign of his career, running for 905 yards, nine touchdowns, and being a factor in the passing game.
Of course, Baltimore has a workhorse in Derrick Henry, who handled 325 carries in 2024, the second most in the NFL. But at 31 years old, the team could use some veteran insurance for the aging back, and Dobbins could be what they are looking for.
While Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell offer explosiveness, people question if either can handle lead-back duties if the situation calls for it. Hill has always been a weapon Baltimore uses in passing situations, and Mitchell looked great in 2023, but a late-season ACL tear has kept the 23-year-old from reaching his full potential... for now. Dobbins has had similar bad luck with injuries but was finally able to show what he can do when healthy last year, and it’s a shock he’s left unsigned.
The reunion between Dobbins and Baltimore would be a hit with the fans. In his rookie year, Dobbins flashed glimpses of what was on the horizon and quickly became a fan favorite. Having already built a relationship with most of the locker room and the fans, it could be a smooth contract negotiation if both parties have interest. But that might not be what either side wants.
For Dobbins, his strong showing in 2024 is well worth another shot at a starting job. With Baltimore, he would likely be the first back off the bench to give Henry a breather. There isn't much opportunity there. Openings with the Bears and running game mastermind Ben Johnson or the Broncos' offense and their light running back room could be more advantageous for the 26-year-old.
In the Ravens’ case, they could be looking for a backup to Henry who can provide more stability. Dobbins’ injury history could scare them away and search elsewhere if they opt to. With Henry on the wrong side of 30 and Mitchell already suffering an ACL tear in his young career, bringing in a running back with a bad injury history could be dangerous.
Regardless, Dobbins is one of the best players left on the market. Baltimore could capitalize on this and add another gear to their impressive running game. However, it could make more sense to let Mitchell take his shot at the spotlight and allow Dobbins to continue growing and crafting his story with a new franchise.
