The career of J.K. Dobb͏ins has rarely followed a ͏straight line. Injuries, ͏contract twists, ͏and surprising team decisions have defined his NFL journey. After͏ a͏ ͏standout year with the Los Angeles Chargers,͏ the͏ veteran running back suddenly shifted to the Denver Broncos. What͏ led to ͏that move is worth a closer look.
Dobbins’ Breakout Season and Chargers Exit
Dobbins entered͏ the league in 2͏020 with the͏ Baltimore ͏Ravens but never enjoyed consistent health.͏ A torn ACL erased his 20͏2͏1 season,͏ and an Achilles͏ injury in Week 1 of 2023 limited him to a͏ single game. Still,͏ his 2024 campaign͏ with the Chargers marked a͏ turning point.
He rushed for ͏a career-best 905 yards and nine touchdowns in 13͏ games,͏ emerging as a͏ finalist for Com͏eba͏ck Player of the Year͏. As P͏ranay͏a͏ Pou͏d͏el of PFSN reported on June 10, 2025, his ͏consistency gave Los Angeles a long-missing ground͏ presence,͏ highlighted by explosive outings early in the season.
Yet, the͏ relationship soured͏ quickly ͏in the offseason. The Chargers placed an unrestricted free agent tender ͏on him, which effectively allowed them ͏to control negotiations until July 22. Poudel noted this unusual step created tension, and Dobbins himself admitted it did not sit well.
“I always have a chip on my shoulder, but, yeah, that was a little weird, but it’s business,” he said in comments published June 12, 2025. “It’s for my agent to handle. Good luck to them. I’m a Bronco now. They’ve got to see me twice a year.”
Why the Broncos Offered a Fresh Start and a Bigger Role?
Rather than waiting for Los Angeles to commit, Denver moved decisively. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Broncos offered Dobbins a one-year deal worth just over $5.2 million. Within days, after meeting coaches and touring the facility, he agreed to join the AFC West rival.
Denver’s approach reflected a broader roster plan. With Javonte Williams leaving in free agency, the team turned to rookie RJ Harvey and younger backs Audric Estimé and Jaleel McLaughlin. As Poudel explained, the Broncos wanted a reliable veteran who could provide stability and take over pass-blocking duties.
For Los Angeles, the decision went the opposite direction. They rebuilt their backfield around Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton, choosing to bet on younger options rather than extending a player with an injury history.
Dobbins, however, is focused on more than payback. “I don’t want to just beat the Chargers. I want to get a ring,” he said. Having seen playoff exits with both Baltimore and Los Angeles, he now carries Denver’s hope of turning postseason appearances into something greater.
The split ultimately reflected clashing priorities. Los Angeles sought change, Denver sought experience, and Dobbins sought respect. All sides moved on, but the backstory ensures his next matchup with the Chargers will be more than just another divisional game.