J.K. Dobbins had the most productive season of his young NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. Dobbins set professional highs in rushing yards (905), attempts (195) and touchdowns (nine) that year while starting 11 of the team's 17 regular season games.
But that apparently was not enough production to keep him around. The Chargers opted to invest in other running backs this offseason, signing free agent Najee Harris and selecting rookie Omarion Hampton with a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Chargers also placed an unrestricted free agent tender on Dobbins, which provided them the exclusive right to negotiate with the running back should another team not sign him by July 22.
While talking to reporters on Wednesday, Dobbins admitted he was taken aback by the Chargers' handling of his situation before offering a strong warning to his former squad.
"I always have a chip on my shoulder. Yeah, that was a little weird, but it's business. It's for my agent to handle," Dobbins said. "Good luck to them. I'm a Bronco now. They've got to see me twice a year."
Dobbins added that once the regular season begins, he will not be solely focused on exacting revenge or winning against the Chargers. Rather, he wants to bring a championship to the Mile High City.
"[I'm] going to have that chip on my shoulder, of course, but I'm here. I'm worried about winning. I don't want to just beat the Chargers. I want to get a ring. I've been in the playoffs every year I've played. So, I'm tired of losing in them," Dobbins said. "That's my goal: to bring a Super Bowl to this city and be a blessing to the community as well."
Dobbins, originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, is entering his sixth season in the league. He has accumulated 2,252 yards and 21 touchdowns on 429 career carries.
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