Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins hoping to play out career in Baltimore

Dobbins has shown plenty of potential when on the field, but a major knee injury suffered in August 2021 has limited the number of occasions in which he has been available. The 24-year-old back figures to find himself atop the depth chart this coming season, after the Ravens elected not to add to their backfield (one which also includes Gus Edwards and Justice Hill). The matter of working out a new contract is weighing on Dobbins, though.

“The business side is very hard. It’s very different,” he said during an interview with WJZ-TV. “You saw with [quarterback] Lamar [Jackson]… It’s never just roses and daisies. It can be hard at times and it’s business though” (h/t ESPN’s Jamison Hensley).

With an average of 5.9 yards per carry during his NFL career (albeit one which has been limited to 26 combined regular and postseason games), Dobbins could be in line for a signficant raise in the near future. The Ravens are open to the idea of extending him and their decision not to add to their backfield in free agency or the draft speaks to their confidence in his ability to remain highly-efficient over the course of a full campaign. The Ohio State product was not a participant in practice during minicamp, however.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh indicated that he expects Dobbins to be available for team drills, but added that a recovery from a reported sof tissue ailment should take place in time for training camp. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken added his desire to see him participate in minicamp, along with optimism for his return to the field, though the OC declined to confirm or deny whether Dobbins is currently injured

Dobbins has publicly expressed frustration with his lack of usage as a true lead back in the past, something which no doubt serves as a potential obstacle to team and player reaching agreement on an extension. His value will also be affected by this year’s free agent market, one which has seen the RB position as a whole continue to be devalued. In any case, Dobbins is eyeing a pact allowing him to remain with the Ravens for the foreseeable future.

“So, the thing I can say is – I would love to be a Baltimore Raven for the rest of my career,” he said. “I would love to because I love the city, I love the people. It feels like family here. It feels like my second home. And I hope that happens.”