Chicago Bears ranked among top suitors for former first-round running back in 2025 NFL free agency

As the 2025 NFL free agency period approaches, teams across the league are positioning themselves to make significant moves to improve their rosters, and the Chicago Bears are no exception. The Bears, who have been building for the future with young talent like Justin Fields at quarterback, have already shown their commitment to competing in the NFC North by addressing key needs on both sides of the ball. However, one position that remains a focus of attention is the running back position, and recent reports indicate that the Bears are ranked among the top suitors for a former first-round pick in free agency, J.K. Dobbins, the running back for the Baltimore Ravens.

Dobbins, a dynamic and explosive back, was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has shown flashes of his elite potential when healthy. After suffering a significant knee injury during the preseason of his sophomore year, Dobbins has gradually regained his form, but with the Ravens’ backfield crowded with options, it looks increasingly likely that he will test the free-agent market in 2025. As a former first-round talent with a proven track record, Dobbins is expected to be one of the most sought-after players when free agency opens.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Bears’ interest in J.K. Dobbins, exploring how he fits into their offense, why the Bears would be a top contender for his services, and the implications his signing could have on the team’s immediate future. Additionally, we will look at the competition the Bears will face for Dobbins and why he could ultimately choose Chicago as his next destination.

J.K. Dobbins’ Career So Far

Before diving into the potential fit with the Bears, it’s important to understand J.K. Dobbins’ career and why he is considered one of the premier running back talents in the NFL.

Dobbins was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round (55th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, but he quickly showed that he had first-round talent. In his rookie season, Dobbins rushed for 805 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per carry—a remarkable feat for a rookie running back in a system known for its run-heavy offense. Dobbins displayed an impressive combination of vision, agility, speed, and power, making him a dangerous weapon in both between-the-tackles runs and on the perimeter.

However, Dobbins’ career took an unfortunate turn in August 2021 when he tore his ACL during the preseason. The injury caused him to miss his entire sophomore season, and he entered 2022 with high expectations as he recovered. Upon his return, Dobbins was not quite the same player, battling through some struggles with his knee and finding his rhythm in the Ravens’ offense.

Despite the setback, Dobbins showed flashes of his former self during the 2023 season, rushing for 913 yards and 6 touchdowns in 14 games. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry, showing that he still possesses the explosive burst that made him such a coveted prospect. However, with the Ravens’ backfield featuring Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and the emergence of rookie Zay Flowers as a dynamic playmaker, Dobbins has seen his role in the offense fluctuate, and it has become evident that he might be on the move in free agency.

As of now, Dobbins remains one of the more intriguing running backs in the league, and his potential to return to his pre-injury form is what makes him such an attractive prospect for teams like the Bears.

Why the Bears Are Interested in J.K. Dobbins

The Chicago Bears are a team in transition, having begun the process of rebuilding around their young quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields has made significant strides in his development, and the team is placing a major emphasis on surrounding him with the talent he needs to succeed. While Fields’ mobility and playmaking ability have made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league, the Bears recognize that a strong supporting cast is necessary for long-term success. One of the key areas in need of improvement is the running back position.

Since the departure of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen, the Bears have struggled to find a consistent, dynamic running back to complement their offense. David Montgomery, who was the team’s leading rusher for several years, left in free agency, and while Khalil Herbert has shown potential, he hasn’t proven to be a true bell-cow back. Rookie Roschon Johnson from the 2025 draft is promising, but it’s clear that the Bears need another reliable option in their backfield to maximize the effectiveness of their offense.

J.K. Dobbins would fit seamlessly into the Bears’ system. He is a versatile back with the ability to carry the load on early downs and contribute in the passing game, making him an ideal complement to Justin Fields’ dynamic skill set. The Bears have a young offensive line that has shown flashes of promise but has also struggled at times, and Dobbins’ vision, patience, and ability to make defenders miss would help alleviate some of the pressure on the offensive line. Additionally, Dobbins’ explosiveness on outside runs and his ability to break tackles would give the Bears a dangerous weapon in the open field.

Dobbins’ presence in the backfield would also help open up the Bears’ passing game. With the continued development of DJ Moore as a No. 1 wide receiver and Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet as secondary weapons, adding a reliable running back like Dobbins would make the entire offense more balanced. Defensive coordinators would have to respect the run threat, which would create opportunities for Fields to make plays with his arm and his legs.

The Bears’ Free Agency Strategy

The 2025 NFL free agency period is shaping up to be an important one for the Chicago Bears. After spending big in the 2024 offseason, the team is in a solid position to continue building its roster. With cap space to work with, the Bears have the flexibility to target players who can make an immediate impact.

In addition to Dobbins, the Bears are expected to pursue several high-profile free agents, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The signing of a player like Dobbins would send a message to the rest of the NFC North that the Bears are serious about competing in the short term. By bolstering their offense with a proven running back, the Bears could take another step toward being a legitimate contender.

The Bears’ front office has been very strategic in their recent acquisitions, focusing on finding young, talented players who fit within their system. Dobbins, who is still in the prime of his career at 25 years old, fits the mold of a player who could contribute immediately and for years to come.

Competition for J.K. Dobbins

While the Chicago Bears are positioned as one of the top suitors for J.K. Dobbins, they will not be alone in their pursuit of the former first-round running back. Several other teams are expected to show interest in Dobbins, as the running back market in 2025 is expected to be competitive.

1. Baltimore Ravens: Given Dobbins’ past with the Ravens and their ongoing need for a reliable backfield option, the Ravens could opt to re-sign him, especially if they struggle to find a replacement. Dobbins would be comfortable in Baltimore’s system, where he has spent most of his career.

2. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have built a high-powered offense, and adding a dynamic running back like Dobbins would make them even more dangerous. Miami has shown a willingness to invest in running backs, and Dobbins would be a good fit in their system.

3. New York Jets: The Jets, another team looking to contend in the AFC, could see Dobbins as a way to upgrade their backfield. With Breece Hall recovering from an injury, Dobbins could provide an explosive one-two punch in the Jets’ offense.

4. New Orleans Saints: The Saints are always looking for ways to revamp their offense, and Dobbins would be a significant upgrade over their current running backs. With Derrick Henry likely aging, Dobbins could be a key piece of their offensive future.

Despite the competition, the Bears remain one of the top destinations for Dobbins due to their clear need at the position, their young core, and their ability to provide him with a prominent role in the offense.

Why Dobbins Would Choose the Bears

While the competition for J.K. Dobbins’ services is fierce, there are several reasons why he may ultimately choose the Chicago Bears over other suitors.

1. Opportunity to Be a Lead Back: Unlike some of the other teams on the market, the Bears would offer Dobbins the opportunity to be their clear-cut starting running back. While other teams may have established depth in the backfield, Chicago could offer Dobbins the role of a true bell-cow back.
2. Justin Fields’ Development: Dobbins has seen how successful mobile quarterbacks can elevate an offense. Playing alongside a young quarterback like Fields, who has the potential to become one of the top signal-callers in the league, could be a major factor in his decision.
3. The Bears’ Long-Term Trajectory: The Bears are building something special, and Dobbins would likely see the team as a long-term contender. With a rising offensive line, talented receivers, and a dynamic quarterback, joining the Bears could provide him with an opportunity to be part of a playoff-contending team for years to come.
4. Cap Space and Financial Security: The Bears have the financial flexibility to offer Dobbins a lucrative deal. The team can meet his financial demands while still having room to build the roster further, making Chicago an attractive option for a player in the prime of his career.