J.K. Dobbins was coming off what was his best season in years in 2024. After years of struggles to stay healthy for a complete season, the running back got to realize much of what had been teased before.
However, being available for 13 games wasn’t enough for the Los Angeles Chargers, despite Dobbins gaining nearly 1,000 yards in that shortened span. Dobbins recently joined the rival Denver Broncos and had some choice words about the move.
J.K. Dobbins Sends Direct Message to Los Angeles Chargers
The new Broncos running back explained his feelings about his new team and his decision to leave the Chargers behind.
“[The] defense is really good, like super good, the quarterback is amazing, I like the [running backs] room, as well, the O-line is amazing, as well. It was a no-brainer — coach Sean Payton … I know I’m going to get coached well here,” Dobbins said.
He went on to mention the “chip” he now has on his shoulder going into the 2025 season.
“Good luck to [the Chargers]. I’m a Bronco now. They’ve got to see me twice a year. Of course, I’m going to have a chip on my shoulder, but here I’m worried about winning. I don’t want to just beat the Chargers, I want to get a ring. That’s my goal, just to bring a Super Bowl to this city.”
Dobbins might have left Los Angeles behind for a surprisingly small paycheck, but he didn’t forget his ambition. If Dobbins hits his goals, he might be able to cash in, raising his salary considerably in the future. According to Spotrac, Dobbins is set to earn up to $2.745 million in 2025, a small fraction of the highest-paid running backs. Saquon Barkley is set to earn more than $20 million in terms of average salary in 2025 alone, for instance.
The move for Dobbins sets Denver up to potentially have one of the better running back rooms in the NFL, but the new-look room has one potential downside.
Dobbins Eyes Avoiding Recent History of AFC West Running Back Transplants
On paper, the Broncos got a solid addition to their squad. With the backfield potentially running through the young RJ Harvey as the starter and Dobbins as the backup, the Broncos may have hedged their bets.
J.K. Dobbins is a low risk, high reward signing by the Broncos.
With RJ Harvey on board, the Broncos won’t be 100% relying on Dobbins. But Dobbins is one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL when healthy.
Great signing. pic.twitter.com/YZykPYWVY3
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) June 10, 2025
However, fans have reason to keep their optimism at arm’s length. Recent apparent slam-dunk intra-AFC West running back additions to Denver in the last decade, such as Melvin Gordon III and Jamaal Charles, effectively met their ends with the Broncos.
Gordon and Charles failed to record a single in-game statistic two years after playing in Denver, after experiencing success with the Chargers and Chiefs, respectively. Dobbins is still young enough to have a few good years left, but he has to deliver in 2025.
Will Dobbins share the same fate as Gordon and Charles?
