26-Year-Old Running Back Signs with Denver Broncos
Coming off a career-high season in multiple statistics with the Los Angeles Chargers, J.K. Dobbins has agreed on a one-year contract with the AFC West rivals Denver Broncos, worth $2.75 million in base value, with an additional $2.5 million in reachable incentives. In his first season with the Chargers, Dobbins rushed for 905 yards and topped over 1,000 scrimmage yards for the first time in his four-year career. Dobbins left the Baltimore Ravens for the Chargers this time last year. The deal with the Chargers was a one-year deal for $1.61 million.
The Chargers were a very intriguing option for Dobbins. He joined former Ravens running back Gus Edwards and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Coming into the camp last season, Dobbins was expected to be the backup running back to Edwards, especially since he was coming off a torn Achilles injury. However, Dobbins showed off his explosiveness in week one against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown. He took over the lead-back responsibilities immediately and did not disappoint. When Dobbins played a full game in the regular season, the Chargers' record was 9-3. He added a different vibe to the Chargers offense when on the field and will look to continue his great play from last season with the Broncos
With Dobbins comes some concerns. Dobbins has a long history of injuries, and they are significant lower-body injuries. In four years in the NFL, Dobbins has only played in 37 games. His career high in games played in a single season is 15, which was during his rookie season. As previously mentioned, Dobbins tore his Achilles, but he suffered a torn LCL in his knee one year, and a torn ACL in another. This past season with the Chargers, he went on injured reserve because of an MCL sprain, returning for the singular playoff game for the Chargers.
The Broncos will look for a healthy version of Dobbins. He was a bright spot for the Chargers last year and will look to build off it in 2025. Dobbins is still young and has shown that he can be a great contributor. Broncos fans should be excited for the potential Dobbins can unlock, lining up next to second-year QB Bo Nix.
