The Los Angeles Chargers have officially signed first-round running back Omarion Hampton, finalizing a major piece of their 2025 draft class. As first reported by Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, Hampton’s four-year rookie contract is worth $17.77 million and includes a $9.56 million signing bonus. As with all first-round selections, the deal includes a fifth-year team option, giving the Chargers the ability to keep Hampton under team control through the 2029 season.
The North Carolina standout entered the draft as one of the most polished and productive backs in what was widely regarded as a deep 2025 running back class. Hampton led the ACC in rushing during his sophomore season and repeated that feat as a junior, earning first-team All-ACC and All-American honors in both years. He finished his college career with 40 total touchdowns and averaged 5.9 yards per carry in each of the last two seasons, despite a heavy workload.
Los Angeles Chargers Ink First-Round RB Omarion Hampton to Rookie Deal, Tre Harris Remains Unsigned
Hampton was projected to be a first-rounder throughout the pre-draft process and was even linked to the Denver Broncos at No. 20, given their clear need at the position. However, he slipped slightly and was ultimately selected by the Chargers at 22nd overall, joining fellow top-tier back Ashton Jeanty as Day 1 selections.
His arrival adds a dynamic new element to a Los Angeles backfield that already underwent changes this offseason. The Chargers signed Najee Harris to a one-year, $5.25 million deal in free agency, bringing in the former Steelers starter as a potential lead back. Though Harris was consistently durable in Pittsburgh, his lack of explosiveness and efficiency drew criticism, and the addition of a first-round back like Hampton suggests his workload could be scaled back in Los Angeles.
Complicating the backfield picture further is the status of J.K. Dobbins, who started for the Chargers in 2024 after reuniting with offensive coordinator Greg Roman. The team extended a rare UFA tender to Dobbins, meaning they retain exclusive negotiating rights if he remains unsigned after July 22 and could receive a compensatory draft pick if another team signs him before that deadline. Whether Dobbins returns now likely depends on how the team envisions Hampton’s immediate role.
With Hampton under contract, the Chargers have now signed all but one member of their 2025 rookie class. Second-round wide receiver Tre Harris remains unsigned, though his deal is expected to be completed before the start of training camp. Recent trends have shown second-round contracts taking longer to finalize due to negotiations around guarantees and structure, but the team still holds ample cap space for additional moves this offseason.
For the Chargers, securing Hampton early—sooner than last year’s first-round pick Joe Alt—marks another step forward in solidifying a young, retooled roster under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
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