Former Ohio State Buckeye J.K Dobbins is headed to NFL free agency for the second year in a row, and this go-around is more promising. The Heisman Trophy candidate in 2019, who racked up 4,459 yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground over three seasons with the Buckeyes, is a great candidate to return to the AFC North, per one NFL Insider.

The Cleveland Browns are entering NFL free agency with a need for running back improvements. One analyst believes that former Ohio State standout JK Dobbins could be a potential solution.

Dobbins just completed a career year with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he amassed 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. In total, the 26-year-old has 2,252 yards and 21 touchdowns in 37 games.

After signing a one-year contract with the Chargers following four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, he is now a free agent.

According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, Dobbins might be an ideal fit for the Browns:

“How about Dobbins signing with the Browns to replace Nick Chubb as Cleveland’s new lead runner? The offense fits his traits well with both gap and zone schemes. And Dobbins looked explosive on the tape throughout last season, though he missed four games because of a knee sprain. He finished 2024 with 907 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.”

However, Dobbins's health has been a significant concern. He has yet to complete a full season in the NFL and has played only eight games over the past three years prior to his stint with the Chargers. This past season, he also missed four games due to injury in Los Angeles.

While Dobbins undoubtedly has talent, if the Browns decide to sign him in free agency, they will need to bolster the running back position with additional support as they aim to revamp that unit.

They could potentially sign both Dobbins and Nick Chubb while also selecting a young talent in the 2025 NFL draft.