After being activated from PUP earlier this month, J.K. Dobbins assured that he’d be leading the backfield heading into the 2023 campaign. However, his status beyond this season continues to be in doubt.
There were some whispers that Dobbins’ absence from OTAs and minicamp could be related to his expiring contract, and the two sides reportedly engaged in extension talks earlier this month. However, there’s been no progress since that time, and it looks like Dobbins will hit free agency following the upcoming campaign.
Despite his uncertain future status in Baltimore, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta made it clear that the two sides are interested in a long-term arrangement.
“We love J.K.,” DeCosta told reporters Friday (via Brian Wacker and Childs Walker of the Baltimore Sun). “When he’s played, he’s been a warrior. He’s played through injuries when he’s been able to. Very talented guy, great attitude. He’s a leader, he’s respected. I’ve got a strong affinity for him personally.
“We’re excited to see what he’s gonna do this year. I know he wants to be here. We want him here.”
As the Baltimore Sun reporters note, Dobbins previously danced around the question of whether he skipped OTAs because of contract or injury concerns.
“That’s a tough question,” Dobbins said late last month. “I was just being cautious. My teammates need me, so I want to be there for my teammates. That’s all it was. My teammates understood what was going on.”
It’s not a huge surprise that the Ravens are remaining patient before handing Dobbins a new deal. After all, the former second-round pick missed the entire 2021 campaign while recovering from a major knee injury. He required another cleanup procedure during the 2022 campaign, limiting him to only eight games overall (plus another playoff game).
Dobbins’ camp could point to the RB’s production before and after the cleanup procedure. Before, Dobbins averaged 3.51 yards on his 35 attempts. In the four games after his return, he averaged 6.96 yards on his 57 carries, and he had 105 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches in the playoffs.
The declining RB market likely means Dobbins will be hard pressed to earn a lucrative pay day. Considering his injury-marred 2021 and 2022 seasons, it makes sense for both sides to wait it out and see how Dobbins holds up for the entire 2023 campaign.
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