Dawgs By Nature
Placing 2nd in Comeback Player of the Year voting, J.K. Dobbins enters NFL free agency, could help Browns
How busy the Cleveland Browns are in NFL free agency could largely depend on what they decide to do with DE Myles Garrett’s trade request. While the NFL combine helps put the focus on the NFL draft, free agency kicks off in March and can set the table for what the Browns will do with the second overall pick and what is expected to be 12 total selections.
Cleveland is currently over the salary cap but has the ability to create space in a variety of ways including with QB Deshaun Watson’s contract.
While we haven’t completed a profile on him yet, former Ohio State Buckeyes RB JK Dobbins is a player who could interest the Browns. The current state of the running back room in Cleveland leaves a lot to be desired which leaves an opening for Dobbins.
According to ESPN, which created a best-fit list for all of their Top 50 free agents (subscriber, $), Dobbins returning to the State of Ohio was the only one for the Browns:
How about Dobbins signing with the Browns to replace Nick Chubb as Cleveland’s new lead runner? The offense fits his traits well with both gap and zone schemes. And Dobbins looked explosive on the tape throughout last season, though he missed four games because of a knee sprain. He finished 2024 with 907 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Dobbins is ranked as the 47th-best free agent this offseason with Over the Cap valuing him around $4 million last season. Due to injuries, Dobbins signed a one-year contract with a one million dollar base last offseason.
Runner-up for Comeback Player of the Year, Dobbins had his most carries (195) and most yards (905) since entering the league in 2020. The former Buckeye missed all of 2021 and all but one game in 2023 with injuries before his bounce-back year with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.
While Cleveland has a need at running back, bringing Chubb back would make the most sense while drafting another in a very deep and talented class of college prospects this year.
Would you want to sign Dobbins this offseason? What if it meant Chubb didn’t return? Should the Browns try to sign both and create a solid committee?
Share your Dobbins and Cleveland RB thoughts in the comment section below
