Former Ohio State star J.K. Dobbins to visit Jim Harbaugh, Chargers amid free agency

Former Ohio State star J.K. Dobbins will visit Jim Harbaugh and his first-year Chargers squad amid free agency on Thursday, his agent revealed to NFL insider Adam Schefter. Dobbins rushed for 211 yards and four touchdowns in his final matchup against Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines in 2019 before entering the league. Despite coming off of the draft board in the second round of the 2020 Draft, the former Buckeyes running back has had a tough run so far in the NFL.

Through his first four seasons, he’s racked up 234 carries, 1,347 yards and 12 touchdown runs in 24 regular season games. His most productive season came as a rookie in 2020. He had 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Dobbins suffered multiple ligament tears in his knee in 2021 that caused him to miss the entirety of his second season. Then, this year, he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1 against the Houston Texans.

Dobbins is now clear to return to play following his Achilles tear and subsequent surgery. With his trip to Los Angeles, he and the Chargers will determine whether he’ll be a good fit. If he signs, he’ll play under Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Roman was the Ravens’ offensive coordinator from 2019-22.

Dobbins’ rookie contract with the Baltimore Ravens expired on March 13 at the start of the new league year. He played out his four-year deal for $5.72 million. Now, he’s on the hunt for his second NFL home for his fifth season in the league.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.