Running backs always make the most of their career with the Baltimore Ravens. Whether they be high draft picks, undrafted free agents, or veterans who failed to catch on with other teams, the Ravens have a knack for identifying talent and reviving their careers.
Former Ravens second-round pick J.K. Dobbins will look to continue to revive his career since leaving Baltimore. In 2024, the former Ohio State Buckeye found success with John Harbaugh’s brother, Jim Harbaugh, as a Los Angeles Charger. He remains a free agent searching for a new home once again, but he could soon latch on with a legit contender in the AFC.
There has been speculation about Dobbins potentially landing with the Houston Texans this offseason. Signing there would be a homecoming for the Houston, Texas native, and it would make sense for both sides.
Dobbins is more than deserving of a critical role in a team’s offense. He’s coming off the best season of his career, accumulating 905 yards on the ground in 2024, a career high. He also scored nine touchdowns, continuing to have a nose for the end zone. He did all this in 13 games. The talent is still there.
In Houston, their lead back, Joe Mixon, continued to torch defenses last season. He finished with 1,016 yards on the year with 11 touchdowns. With such a strong campaign, Mixon earned his second career Pro Bowl. Dobbins obviously won’t compete for a starting role if he does opt to sign with the Texans, but he could carve out a substantial role to keep Mixon fresh and healthy. It won’t come effortlessly, though.
Houston has a deep running back with key contributors in all aspects of the game. The trio of Dameon Pierce, Woody Marks, and Dare Ogunbowale currently backs up Mixon, and Dobbins will have a lot of work to do if he wants to make noise in Houston.
Pierce is going into his fourth year as a Texan, but following a rookie season that turned some heads, he’s been unable to build on it. The last two years saw him get phased out of Houston’s offense. If he gets cut or traded before the regular season, the door could be open for Dobbins.
Marks is a 2025 fourth-round pick out of USC. The rookie has been drawing high praise since his 2024 season with the Trojans, but most of this praise draws from his ability out of the backfield as a pass catcher. Ogunbowale also lacks significant skill in the rushing game. He’s known for his special teams play and blocking more than anything, which will likely earn him a spot on the 53-man roster. But Dobbins could offer something different as the go-to rusher after Mixon.
There are plenty of options out there for Dobbins. While he’s had more than his fair share of injuries and bad luck, the talent he showed last season should draw interest from teams needing a backup running back who can carry the load. Dobbins can do just that and might be the steal of the offseason.