The New York Jets may explore cost-effective options to secure value during the offseason, according to Kristopher Knox’s suggestion in a recent column for Bleacher Report. Knox proposes that the Jets consider players like J.K. Dobbins to complement Breece Hall, especially after the unsuccessful Dalvin Cook experiment. Opting for a more budget-friendly free-agent choice like Dobbins aligns well with the Jets, who are expected to have around $7.6 million in available cap space.
In the previous offseason, the New York Jets overspent at the running back position, allocating over $7 million for a one-year deal with Dalvin Cook, which ultimately proved unsuccessful.
This offseason presents an opportunity for the Jets to take a different approach. Knox highlighted that numerous high-profile names are expected to enter the running back market in free agency.
J.K. Dobbins, the running back for the Baltimore Ravens, is anticipated to be somewhat overlooked in free agency due to his injury history. Having missed the entire 2021 season with a torn ACL, participating in only eight games the following season, and sustaining a torn Achilles one game into his 2023 campaign, Dobbins is likely to seek a one-year prove-it deal, potentially at the league minimum. Knox suggests that whichever team decides to take a chance on him might secure a valuable asset, provided he can maintain good health. As a 25-year-old, Dobbins is recognized for his dual-threat capabilities, combining power and explosiveness on the field. The league minimum for a player like Dobbins could be $1.08 million, depending on the player’s service time in the NFL, which influences the veteran minimum.
Spotrac’s estimated market value suggests that J.K. Dobbins might secure a contract slightly higher than the league minimum. The projection indicates a potential two-year deal worth $4.3 million, translating to an annual salary of $2.1 million. If realized, this would position him as the 31st highest-paid running back in football, according to Over The Cap.
The New York Jets have a vacancy at the running back position, and J.K. Dobbins is viewed as a potential candidate to address that need. Additionally, his close friendship with Aaron Rodgers could play a favorable role in his chances of joining the team.
During Rodgers’ rehabilitation from a torn Achilles, he maintained his weekly interviews with Pat McAfee. In the October 10 episode, Dobbins made an unexpected appearance during the interview, teasing Rodgers about talking more than working out.
J.K. Dobbins has encountered injury challenges throughout his four seasons in the NFL, preventing him from completing a full season of play. This injury history may deter some teams from pursuing him.
However, at 25 years old, Dobbins remains relatively young, and any team acquiring him in free agency would likely secure his services at a significant discount. Despite his injury setbacks, Dobbins has demonstrated his playmaking abilities when on the field. The former Ohio State standout has accumulated over 1,347 rushing yards, scored a total of 13 touchdowns, and maintained an impressive average of 5.8 yards per rush.
