The Los Angeles Chargers, who have made significant improvements during the 2025 offseason by adding playmakers like RB Najee Harris in free agency and through the 2025 NFL Draft, recently made a strategic roster move regarding running back JK Dobbins.
According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, the Chargers have placed an unrestricted free agent tender on Dobbins. This tender allows Dobbins to sign with any NFL team. However, if he signs elsewhere before NFL training camps begin in July, the team will receive a compensatory pick. If he does not sign with another team before training camp, they will retain exclusive negotiating rights with Dobbins. This arrangement presents a win-win scenario for the team.
Los Angeles Chargers Re-Sign JK Dobbins To UFA Contract
Dobbins is coming off the most productive season of his career, having rushed for 905 yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries in 2024 as part of Jim Harbaugh’s run-first offense. Despite this strong performance, Dobbins, who is 26 years old, has a history of injuries, which may limit interest from other teams. Therefore, the most likely outcome is that Dobbins returns to Los Angeles during training camp.
The Chargers further bolstered their running back depth in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting UNC’s Omarion Hampton in the first round. Hampton, widely considered the second-best running back in the draft class behind Ashton Jeanty, had an outstanding 2024 season at North Carolina, rushing for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns on 281 carries. He also contributed 373 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Hampton’s blend of power and shiftiness makes him a versatile three-down back.
With Jim Harbaugh’s well-known preference for a strong running game, they now possess a formidable backfield. They have veteran Najee Harris and the dynamic rookie Hampton as their primary ball carriers, with Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins providing additional depth.
The Chargers could utilize J.K. Dobbins as a change-of-pace back to complement Hampton and Harris, should he return to the team.
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