Running back J.K. Dobbins is on the move again.
Last season, the talented but oft-injured running back joined the Los Angeles Chargers, where he experienced a significant career resurgence. Dobbins, whose 2022 and 2023 campaigns were cut short by big injuries, managed to get on the field for 13 games in 2024. He rushed for 905 yards and nine scores with the Chargers, while also hauling in 32 passes on 38 targets.
Despite this, Dobbins will line up with the Chargers' archrivals, the Denver Broncos, in 2025. According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Dobbins signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the team on Wednesday.
In Denver, Dobbins joins a crowded but unsettled running backs room. The Broncos return Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Blake Watson, and Tyler Badie, all of whom had carries for the team last year. Yet, the team's rushing leader was actually Javonte Williams, whose carries (139) and rushing yards (513) were far below Dobbins' workload. Williams departed the team for the Dallas Cowboys, creating the need for another veteran back.
Dobbins is sure to be a welcome sight in Denver.
"(Dobbins) was one of the running backs who had one of the better games against us last year, so I'm super excited," said Broncos safety Brandon Jones.
Sean Payton, who would not confirm any reports of the agreement after yesterday's minicamp practice, likely feels the same way. A steady rushing game would go a long way to aid the development of second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Nix surprised league observers last year with a steady improvement throughout his rookie season, but the team knows it needs to make a big jump to compete with the juggernaut Kansas City Chiefs in the crowded AFC West.
Taking a weapon from a rival and making it your own is a great way to start.