J.K. Dobbins will continue his NFL career in Denver.
The former Ohio State running back signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday. Per FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the deal carries a base value of $2.75 million with $2.5 million in reachable incentives, giving Dobbins the opportunity to earn up to $5.25 million in 2025.
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 changes teams in the AFC West after a resurgent 2024 season in which he ran for 905 yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries and caught 32 passes for another 153 yards with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 26-year-old former Buckeye was the runner-up for the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award – behind only his former Ohio State teammate Joe Burrow – as he was sidelined for most of the 2021-23 seasons with injuries, including a torn ACL and an Achilles tear.
The Chargers opted to move on from Dobbins despite his success, replacing him by drafting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round, but Jim Harbaugh’s squad will now have to face Dobbins twice in division play in 2025.
Dobbins likely projects to start at running back for the Broncos, who are replacing their leading rusher from last season, Javonte Williams. Candidates to split carries with Dobbins include second-round draft pick RJ Harvey, second-year running back Audric Estimé and third-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin.