Unrestricted free agent tags granted for J.K. Dobbins, Elijah Moore
The Latest on J.K. Dobbins and Elijah Moore's Free Agency
NFL teams have been shaking up their rosters, and the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns made some moves recently. They both applied the unrestricted free agent tender on running back J.K. Dobbins and wide receiver Elijah Moore, respectively.
Now, Dobbins and Moore are free to sign with any team they fancy. But here's the catch—if they sign elsewhere before July 22, their previous franchises will still have the power to count them towards the compensatory draft pick formula for 2026. This is due to the seldom-used UFA tender (Dobbins' is about $1.1 million, Moore's is worth $3.43 million, as per ESPN). On the other hand, if they don't sign elsewhere, their previous teams will hold exclusive negotiating rights.
As of late June 2025, Elijah Moore has sealed a deal with the Buffalo Bills, with a contract reaching a maximum value of $5 million. No such update has been reported for J.K. Dobbins, leaving his current negotiation status somewhat of a mystery.
Elijah Moore, a 25-year-old, racked up a career-high 61 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown in 17 games (13 starts) for the Browns last season. Over the course of his four-year NFL career with the New York Jets and Browns, Moore has amassed 200 catches for 2,162 yards and nine touchdowns.
On the running back front, Dobbins led the Chargers in rushing last season with 905 yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries. With a career total of 429 rushing attempts, 2,252 rushing yards, and 21 scores (plus 59 receptions for 330 yards and one receiving touchdown), he's a valuable addition to any team he signs with.
Intra-team negotiations and guaranteed contracts dramatically affect the leverage and timing of players like Moore and Dobbins. For instance, having full guarantees on the third year of their rookie contract provided significant security for the likes of Moore, who was a second-round pick in 2021. Delays or uncertainty in guaranteed deals can hold up contract signings, as agents wait for precedent-setting guarantees for comparable players.
Take Elijah Moore, for example—he's now inked a one-year, up-to-$5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills, wrapping up his free agency negotiations. As for J.K. Dobbins, his contract situation is not entirely clear as of now.
-Source: Field Level Media
- Despite the UFA tender on J.K. Dobbins, his contract situation with the Los Angeles Chargers remains unclear, unlike Elijah Moore who has signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills worth up to $5 million.
- Elijah Moore, now a Buffalo Bill, recorded a career-high of 61 receptions, 538 yards, and one touchdown in the 2024 NFL season, significantly contributing to his four-year career total of 200 catches, 2,162 yards, and nine touchdowns.
- J.K. Dobbins, a valuable asset in American football, led the Chargers with 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last season, adding to his career total of 2,252 rushing yards and 21 scores across his NFL career.
- In the world of sports, contract negotiations and guaranteed deals play a crucial role in determining the leverage and timing for players like J.K. Dobbins and Elijah Moore, with agents often waiting for precedent-setting guarantees for comparable players before making a move.
