5 Trade Destinations for Star Running Back

In light of his recent cryptic Tweets, there is a chance that the Baltimore Ravens could trade J.K. Dobbins if they receive the right package. While the likeliest scenario is that Dobbins departs the team as a free agent in 2024, other circumstances may arise to facilitate a Dobbins trade.

Not positive this is what’s going on, but this is the type of tweet players often put out when they’re trying to negotiate a new deal. It’d also be a reason to not be at OTAs. Negotiation tactics. JK Dobbins is in the final year of his rookie deal and will make $1.3M in base… https://t.co/dVLaaJk4O0

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) June 1, 2023

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5 J.K. Dobbins Trade Destinations

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter 2023 with an uncertain backfield. While Rachaad White showed enough to win the starting job, he has not shown enough for the Buccaneers to give him the workload of a premier back. The team also have Chase Edmonds, but he was disappointing in 2022. Given the lack of talent here, trading for Dobbins could be a good move for Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers are also experiencing some quarterback uncertainty at the moment. Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask have shown some lowlights in camp so far. For this reason, it could be important for Tampa Bay to bolster their run game.

In a weak NFC South, the Buccaneers currently look like the weakest link. However, brushing up their running game could go a long way in making them competitive.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have good talent but limited depth at running back. Alvin Kamara is the projected starter, but he is currently facing legal troubles. Should he be suspended, the team will have to resort to rookie third-round selection Kendre Miller.

To bolster their depth, and in the case of Kamara’s suspension, New Orleans could trade for Dobbins. Dobbins offers a very different skill set to Kamara and would be a nice complementary piece if Kamara plays in 2023.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers underwent an offensive rebuild this off-season. Drafting Bryce Young was the highlight, but the team also signed Miles Sanders, Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark. In Carolina, Sanders is projected as the lead back. He had a successful 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles but was quite inconsistent.

Given the lack of high-end talent at running back, Carolina could trade for Dobbins. In Carolina, Dobbins would split snaps with Sanders, as he does in Baltimore with Gus Edwards.

New Panthers head coach Frank Reich formerly coached the Indianapolis Colts, where he got a lot out of Jonathan Taylor. This could be important in the usage and development of Dobbins.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are the only AFC team on this shortlist because it is unlikely that Baltimore would deal Dobbins to a conference rival. However, Denver could make an aggressive push for Dobbins if Javonte Williams is not ready to go this year.

Sean Payton has spoken highly of his multi-back system, which was the philosophy behind the signing of Samaje Perine. If Williams is unavailable during the 2023 season, moving for Dobbins would make sense. He would be an excellent complement to Perine.

Arizona Cardinals

From Dobbins’ perspective, the Arizona Cardinals could be the team that makes the most sense. The expectations for Arizona are low this year. This means that, in Arizona’s run-heavy scheme, if Dobbins shows any glimmer of promise, then he could earn a big, long-term contract.

Currently, Arizona have James Conner and very little depth. Dobbins would thus be an important contributor in a one-two punch with Conner.

Other J.K. Dobbins Trade Destinations

Two other teams to watch might be the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears. New England have a plethora of running backs, but they have often valued having extra talent and depth at that position. Dobbins would be a good scheme fit for Bill O’Brien and could find a nice role behind Rhamondre Stevenson.

Chicago currently have little high-end talent in their running back room. They are projected to be rolling out D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson. Getting Dobbins would immediately elevate their run game as Dobbins would be their feature back. Not to mention that Dobbins and Justin Fields have shared time at Ohio State.

(2019) JK Dobbins put together one of the most dominant seasons by a Big Ten RB ever

324 Plays
2,250 Yards from Scrimmage
6.9 Yards Per Play
23 TDs
6th in Heisman Voting

(2,003 Rushing Yards, 21 Rushing TDs, 6.7 YPC on 301 Rushing Attempts) pic.twitter.com/u5cNQc3EOK

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) June 2, 2023