The Los Angeles Chargers found success with their former starting running back J.K. Dobbins in 2024, but now he might be facing them twice a season.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday that Dobbins is heading to Denver to meet with the Broncos and their coaches for dinner at the facility. Dobbins has been a free agent this offseason after the Chargers decided not to re-sign him.
Last year, Dobbins rushed for 905 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 153 receiving yards in 13 games with the Chargers. He missed four games due to an MCL sprain he suffered during the season. Dobbins finished second in the voting for AP Comeback Player of the Year after tearing his Achilles the previous season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Facing Dobbins twice a year could be a death blow if it wasn't for one problem
When Dobbins is on the field, he is a smart runner with great vision for finding and hitting the right hole. He averages an outstanding 5.2 yards per carry during his career so the talent is there.
The biggest concern about Dobbins has been his durability, which has followed him throughout his NFL career. He missed all of the 2021 season with the Ravens after tearing his ACL in the final preseason game. In 2022, he suffered a knee injury and was able to play only eight games. There's, of course, the previously mentioned Achilles tear in 2023 and MCL sprain in 2024.
Los Angeles would not be the biggest fan of facing Dobbins twice a year, but the real question is, if he does sign with the Broncos, can he stay healthy? It's the big reason the Chargers moved on and instead signed Najee Harris and drafted former North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round.
The Chargers have a more stable and secure backfield with Harris and Hampton, who are more likely to stay healthy. Dobbins is a great running back, but if he isn't playing, teams can't trust him to be available when they need him the most.
It would be disappointing to see the Bronco logo on Dobbins' helmet in 2025, but the Chargers still made the right choice by not bringing him back and are better off for it.