The Washington Commanders are banking on quarterback Jayden Daniels to build on his ultra-impressive rookie season, but they may still be missing a key ingredient in their offensive recipe: a dynamic veteran running back.
According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, former Chargers rusher J.K. Dobbins could be the perfect solution.
“Finding an ideal fit for a veteran running back isn’t easy at this point in the offseason, especially for a player with Dobbins’ rich injury history,” Bowen wrote.
“He missed four games with an MCL sprain last season, yet he still managed a career high in rushing yards (905) and tied a career high in rushing touchdowns (9).
“In Kliff Kingsbury’s offense in Washington, I could see Dobbins providing competition for Brian Robinson Jr. as the early-down runner.
“Dobbins can run between the tackles and has the juice to create big plays on the ground. He took 27 carries for 10 or more yards last season.”
Washington waited until the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select a running back – Arizona’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt – leaving the backfield depth chart thin and ripe for veteran reinforcement.
That’s where Dobbins comes in.
If Washington takes a swing on Dobbins, it could bring an added dimension to a backfield that already features the physical style of Robinson and the potential of Croskey-Merritt. But the latter remains an unproven prospect, despite some upside.
“Croskey-Merritt had a winding college path that started at Alabama State and ended at Arizona. Though eligibility issues limited him to only 13 rushes for the Wildcats in 2024,” ESPN’s Field Yates added.
“He has a very intriguing combination of size, speed, and overall footwork, but he must develop his instincts and vision. He’s a moldable player for the Commanders to develop.”
That raw potential could take time to refine, meaning Dobbins’ NFL experience and explosive playmaking might provide immediate value. Especially for an offense aiming to take a big leap in Daniels’ second year under center.
While Dobbins is currently tied to the Chargers via an unrestricted free agent tender – worth $3.428 million – he is still eligible to sign with another team.
The tender gives Los Angeles exclusive negotiating rights until training camp, but it doesn’t prevent Dobbins from exploring outside opportunities.
“If Dobbins does sign with another team, the move will still count in the compensatory pick formula for both the Chargers and Dobbins’s new team. The Browns used the same tender on wide receiver Elijah Moore,” Yates stated.
Last year, Dobbins himself expressed confidence in his ability to make an impact with the Chargers before the 2024 season, telling Chargers.com: “I can come in here and make a big difference.”
Now, the question is whether that impact could be made in Washington instead.
With a retooled offense, a promising young quarterback, and a coaching staff led by new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders appear ready to take the next step. .
If J.K. Dobbins joins the fold, it could accelerate their rise – and give Jayden Daniels the support he needs to perhaps lead the team on a Super Bowl run.
What are your thoughts on Washington potentially going after Dobbins???
