It seemed inevitable that J.K. Dobbins would leave the LA Chargers after the team signed Najee Harris and drafted Omarion Hampton in the first round. However, to the surprise of many, the Chargers slapped a rare UFA tender on the veteran running back. With it, Dobbins would return to the Chargers on a 10% pay increase if he didn't sign with another team.
With the tender, Dobbins signing with any other team would count toward the compensatory pick formula for 2026. Not only could the Chargers get an extra pick, but it could take a comp pick away from another team depending on how much he signs for and how much he plays.
For that reason, many fans assumed Dobbins was destined to return to the Chargers after all. However, a new team has emerged on the rumor mill as a potential suitor for Dobbins. Dobbins has reportedly been in contact with the Houston Texans, although the two sides remain apart on the price.
Houston Texans emerge as a landing spot for Chargers' FA JK Dobbins
If Dobbins were to sign with the Texans he would not be assuming an RB1 role as Joe Mixon is firmly the bell-cow back. Houston also drafted USC's Woody Marks in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft to provide quality depth.
Marks has long-term potential but he may need time to blossom into the rotational back the Texans need him to be. The other option in the running back room is Dameon Pierce, who has been less than impressive in recent years.
In theory, Dobbins signing with the Texans would serve as a veteran upgrade over Pierce. Dobbins may have his injury concerns, sure, but he has more juice in the run game than Pierce does at this stage.
It's also worth noting the Texans are not projected to receive any compensatory picks at this point in time. There is no reason for Houston to be hesitant about how Dobbins may impact the team's draft picks in 2026.
That being said, the Chargers still need to offset Mike Williams and Tyler Conklin in the compensatory formula. If Dobbins' value ends up being worth a seventh-round pick then it will cancel out with Williams or Conklin. Dobbins would have to sign an incentive-based deal with a high ceiling and actually receive the playing time to hit those incentives.
Even if the Chargers get a sixth-round pick for Dobbins leaving, it may not make up for the pain fans will feel watching Dobbins leave for the team that just put the smackdown on the Chargers in the NFL Playoffs.
It will be even more painful if Dobbins signs considering the Chargers have a rematch against the Texans late in the season.