Offseason free agent acquisition, JK Dobbins, has established himself as the lead back in the Denver Broncos‘ rotation – at least for now, managing around 70% of the team’s carries at the position (30), to rookie, RJ Harvey‘s 11.
Some were surprised that Dobbins’ prior team, the Los Angeles Chargers, did not bring him back after putting forth a 905 yard rushing season, averaging 4.6 yards/carry – and doing so despite missing a month of action mid-season.
Especially considering that the former Raven’s one year deal with the Broncos came out to to just $2 million – a very small commitment for a player who has substantial experience and capability in leading an NFL rushing attack.
JK Dobbins Did Not Re-Sign With Chargers Due To ‘Business’ Discrepancy
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Dobbins revealed that whilst LA did try to bring him back after the culmination of the 2024 season, the pair “did not see eye-to-eye”, according to the sixth year back.
When prompted by the interviewer as to whether Dobbins was interested in ‘revenge’ on the Chargers – whom Denver faces on Sunday – after they chose to not to re-sign him, Dobbins set the record straight on his former team.
“They did [want me back], yeah of course. But we just didn’t see eye-to-eye, and business is business. They did what they had to do, I did what I had to do. They absolutely wanted me, but we just didn’t see eye-to-eye business wise. So that’s where that’s at.”
After being subsequently asked if the “business” noted by Dobbins refers to the salary offered, the former Charger gave a pretty clear answer.
“Something like that.”
Dobbins Looking For Another Big Day On Return To Los Angeles
Given that Denver gave Dobbins just $2 million/year, the Chargers must have seriously low-balled the former second round pick. So it would certainly seem – even if the player himself would not allude to it specifically – that Dobbins will be looking for a big day on the ground in what is both a crucial early-season in-division matchup and grudge match.
Dobbins retaining the lions share of the carries is not certain to continue through the 2025 season, as rookie second rounder, Harvey looks to establish himself as a viable option in both the run and passing game under head coach and offensive guru, Sean Payton.
But, for now, he is the lead back and is set to continue getting the majority of carries for the foreseeable future.
On the season, the Ohio State grad has 30 carries for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns, good for approximately 70 rushing yards per game. At this pace, Dobbins would crush his former season-best for carries, which currently lies at the 195 he had last season with the Chargers, at 255.
Even with the looming threat of Harvey eating into his workload, Dobbins’ biggest concern will be staying healthy. Since his rookie season, Dobbins has had just one season (2024) in which he played in double-digit games. And from 2021-23, he suited up just 9 times after multiple knee injuries and an Achilles tear.
So if he is able to to stay – for the most part – healthy and on the roster, Dobbins could be looking at a potential career year in Denver.