The Los Angeles Chargers didn't necessarily need J.K. Dobbins in 2025 considering how much they beefed up their running back room in the offseason. That being said, fans probably weren't expecting him to move on to another team in the division and to take a bit of a shot at the Chargers in the process.
That's just what Dobbins did. First, he signed with the AFC West rival Denver Broncos and then he made some comments that didn't quite sit right with Charger fans. Dobbins spoke about the UFA tender the Chargers slapped him with and didn't hold back.
“Good luck to [the Chargers]. I’m a Bronco now. They’ve got to see me twice a year," Dobbins said. “I want to get a ring. I’ve been in the playoffs every year I’ve played. I’m tired of losing in them.”
J.K. Dobbins didn't hold back when speaking about his former team
It's interesting that Dobbins wants to win in the playoffs yet signed with Denver. The Broncos haven't won a playoff game since they won the Super Bowl in the 2015 season (so nearly a decade ago). Sure, this was what he's supposed to say with his new team but considering the Chargers have won a playoff game more recently, maybe it wasn't the best comment to make.
Fans didn't care for what Dobbins said for multiple reasons. One fan on X pointed out how Gus Bradley had more rushing yards than Dobbins did in the playoffs. Another fan pointed out how Dobbins is always injured. Of course, fans also made jokes about how if Dobbins wanted to win a playoff game, maybe he shouldn't have signed with Denver. All of these are fair points for fans to note when clapping back at Dobbins.
The UFA tender situation was a unique one and it was a way for the Bolts to try and squeeze a draft pick out of Dobbins leaving (if that's what he ended up doing). Unfortunately, with Dobbins signing an affordable deal with the Broncos and the Chargers adding other talent, the chances of getting a pick for Dobbins now feel pretty slim.
With that said, the Chargers spent a first-round pick on Omarion Hampton and signed Najee Harris in free agency, so they're well-set in the backfield. Dobbins had a nice year with the Chargers in 2024 but the injuries continued to be an issue for him, as he missed four games. His injury history likely led to the Chargers being okay with him potentially leaving as well.