Following an impressive lone season with the Los Angeles Chargers, J.K. Dobbins has found a new home with another AFC playoff team. Entering his sixth NFL season, Dobbins has rushed for 2,252 yards and 21 touchdowns in 37 career games (with 21 starts).
Last season with the Chargers, the Comeback Player of the Year finalist appeared in 13 games, recording a career-high 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, proving he can still produce at a high level when healthy. Let’s delve into Dobbins’ next stop and what to expect from the veteran running back in 2025.
J.K. Dobbins Inks a $5.25 Million Deal With Denver Broncos
Dobbins signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Denver Broncos, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Last Wednesday, the 26-year-old running back went out for dinner with Broncos coaches. The following day, he toured the team’s facility and met with staffers — a visit that ultimately persuaded him to switch sides in the heated Chargers-Broncos rivalry.
The 5’10”, 215-pound back brings a veteran presence to the Broncos’ backfield, which consists of younger options such as rookie RJ Harvey (24 years old), sophomore Audric Estimé (21), and Jaleel McLaughlin (24).
J.K. Dobbins, the Comeback Player of the Year finalist, is signing with the #Broncos on a one-year, $5.25 million deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Still only 26, Dobbins had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 9 TDs in 13 games last season with the #Chargers. pic.twitter.com/N3aZ4RKa8D
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 10, 2025
Dobbins is expected to form a one-two punch with Harvey, who was selected with the No. 60 overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They should handle the bulk of the carries, while Dobbins is also expected to take over pass-blocking duties (formerly handled by Javonte Williams, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason).
Harvey will still be a vital part of the Broncos’ backfield for 2025, but Dobbins’ versatility and experience could shake up the unit’s hierarchy.
In 2024, the Broncos’ run game didn’t stand out, finishing just 16th in rushing yards per game with 112.2. It became clear the team needed to add reinforcements heading into 2025, especially now that Bo Nix appears to be a franchise quarterback and the offense has real breakout potential in its second year under head coach Sean Payton.
During training camp, Dobbins vs. Harvey will certainly be a position battle to watch, as the two talented backs will be competing for the RB1 job in an offense that ranked No. 16 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season.
Dobbins Is Coming Off a Career Year With Chargers
Despite Dobbins’ impressive season, the Chargers chose not to re-sign the veteran running back this offseason. Instead, they reshaped their backfield with free-agent acquisition Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton.
Last offseason, Dobbins inked a one-year, $1.6 million deal with the Chargers after four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. This was a prove-it deal given his lengthy injury history, and he made the most of his opportunity in Los Angeles.
Dobbins made an immediate impact in the 2024 season opener, rushing 10 times for 135 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. In Week 2, he followed this up with an impressive performance, racking up 131 rushing yards and a touchdown in a win against the Carolina Panthers.
He continued to produce at a high level as the season progressed. However, in Week 12, he sustained an injury during a matchup against his former team, the Ravens. He was placed on injured reserve ahead of the Chargers’ Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons and later reactivated on December 27.
Dobbins’ departure from Los Angeles came with an interesting wrinkle. The Chargers placed an unrestricted free agent tender on him, which gave the team exclusive negotiating rights if he remained unsigned by July 22. With just over six weeks left before that deadline, the Broncos moved decisively to land Dobbins, ensuring he wouldn’t return to their division rival.