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The Cleveland Browns enter NFL free agency in need of some running back upgrades, and one analyst thinks that former Ohio State running back JK Dobbins may be a part of the solution.
Dobbins is coming off a career year with the Los Angeles Chargers where he rushed for 905 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. After signing just a one-year deal with the Chargers after four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Dobbins is now back on the open market.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen thinks that he and the Browns may just be the fit for the former second rounder:
“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.”
Health has been the main issue with Dobbins, however. He has never played a full season in the NFL and played just eight games over his last three years before signing with the Chargers this offseason. He missed four games this season in Los Angeles with an injury.
There is no doubting the talent of Dobbins, but if the Browns were to sign Dobbins in free agency, then they would need to add some other assurances to the running back room as they look to give that unit a facelift.
They could, of course, sign both Dobbins and Nick Chubb while drafting a youngster in the 2025 NFL draft as well.