Getty Image / Rob Carr
The Baltimore Ravens are considering a long-term extension for JK Dobbins.
Dobbins has been in a contract dispute with the team throughout training camp.
This offseason has not been a great time for running backs in the NFL.
Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, JK Dobbins and Dalvin Cook have all had to deal with disappointing contract situations.
Luckily for JK Dobbins, it looks like his situation could be improving soon.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, there have been discussion about Dobbins getting a long-term deal from the Baltimore Ravens.
"There has been some discussions about a long term deal for JK Dobbins in Baltimore"@RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/E929QaqvTN
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 11, 2023
“He would like to get paid, and I know there’s been some discussions about a long-term deal in Baltimore,” Rapoport said.
He also added that Dobbins’ is likely actually only on the PUP list because of his contract situation.
“He’s on the PUP list. I don’t get the sense that he’s that injured, it seems like the kind of injury that would be probably okay if he ended up with a contract extension.”
At a time when running backs around the NFL are struggling to get long-term commitments from their teams, it would be pretty surprising to see JK Dobbins get himself a deal.
There were high expectations for Dobbins when he entered the league. He was an absolute monster at Ohio State, topping 1000 yards in each of his 3 college seasons and running for over 2000 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior.
Unfortunately, injuries have made it very difficult for him to live up to the expectations.
The most successful season of Dobbins’ NFL career came in his rookie year. He was able to play 15 games that season, but was limited to 134 carries because of the Ravens’ committee approach at the position. He still managed to run for 805 yards that year, but hasn’t recreated the success since.
He missed his whole second year because of a torn ACL he suffered during the preseason. He only played 8 games the following season.
Maybe Dobbins is willing to sign at a discount because of his injury history, but it is very surprising that the Baltimore Ravens are considering entrusting him with their future at the position before he has proven he can stay healthy or really shown his true potential.