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Three NFL Teams Who Should Sign RB J.K. Dobbins

Originally posted on Sportscasting | By Dan Girolamo | Last updated May 6, 2025 11:35 PM ET

One of the best remaining players in NFL free agency is running back J.K. Dobbins.

The Los Angeles Chargers placed the unrestricted free agent (UFA) tender on Dobbins, meaning the Chargers hold exclusive negotiating rights if Dobbins does not sign by July 22 or the first day of training camp. The franchise tender is worth approximately $1.1 million, meaning Dobbins would make $3.428 million if he played for the Chargers.

Dobbins is still free to sign with another team before July 22. If that happens, the Chargers would receive a 2026 compensatory draft pick.

Coming off his best season, Dobbins could help bolster several backfields around the league. Here are three NFL teams that should sign Dobbins.

Dallas Cowboys

The best Cowboys teams during the Dak Prescott era had great running games.

Think of 2016 with Ezekiel Elliott or 2022 with Tony Pollard.

After Rico Dowdle signed with the Carolina Panthers, the Cowboys went the cheap route and signed two running backs: Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders.

Williams and Sanders should split time, but Dallas could still use another option in the backfield.

If Dobbins signed in Dallas, he would be the only running back on the roster to rush for at least 900 yards in 2024.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are projected to have an improved offense in the second year of Caleb Williams thanks to first-year head coach Ben Johnson.

The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator helped transform Jared Goff into a top-10 quarterback and created an elite running game with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Johnson’s offense clearly thrives with two options in the backfield.

D’Andre Swift is one of Chicago’s running backs. Roschon Johnson is the likely choice to back Swift up.

Signing Dobbins would create more of a 1-2 punch in Chicago.