JK Dobbins: Perfect Fit for Steelers?
Despite recording four straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers chose to let Najee Harris leave via free agency. While the rushing yards look impressive on paper, Harris was near the bottom, in terms of average yards per carry at 3.9, since joining the league in 2021.
On March 13th, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Harris to a one-year year worth up to $9.25 million.
Pittsburgh made the unsurprising decision to re-sign Jaylen Warren this offseason. The former undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State has been an underrated yet valuable piece to the Steelers’ offense.
So where do the Steelers go to address a replacement for Najee Harris? One such candidate currently on the free agent market is JK Dobbins.
Dobbins, a second round selection of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 draft, had shown real flashes of potential, but injuries seemed to prevent him from becoming a Pro Bowl caliber running back in Baltimore.
Last offseason, the Chargers took a flyer on Dobbins by inking him to a one-year contract for $1.6 million.
Dobbins stayed relatively healthy in 2024, as he played in 13 games; putting up a career best 905 yards, and tying a career-high with nine touchdowns, which he also did during his rookie season with the Ravens.
Pro Football Focus projects Dobbins to receive a two-year deal this offseason worth just $7 million. This type of deal is something the Steelers should be all over.
Although Dobbins isn’t nearly the durable back that Harris is, Dobbins is still a more effective runner; averaging 4.6 yards last season compared to Harris’ 4.0 mark.
If Dobbins is able to replicate last year’s production, then his expected cheap contract becomes an absolute bargain for both next season, as well as 2026.
Just like with Harris, the Steelers would no doubt find a way to keep Dobbins fresh in backfield; given they have a solid, RB2 option in Warren.
A possible Dobbins signing in Pittsburgh seems like the perfect low risk/high reward addition.