When you look at this Chargers roster, it has the bones of a well-constructed offense that is built to last and compete in January. Just having bones should not allow the Chargers to feel comfortable, and continuing to fill out this roster should be the priority, especially on offense.
Luckily, there is someone available in free agency who could boost this offense with ease, and it would not even cost the Chargers more than a few million dollars in cap space.
The Cheapest, Easiest Move The Chargers Can Make To Improve Their Offense
The Chargers leading rusher, JK Dobbins is still available in free agency and has yet to receive any buzz in the media linked to any teams that are willing to take a chance on the Comeback Player of the Year finalist.
The lack of interest is confusing as he was an integral piece of the Chargers offense and it was apparent when he was not on the field. The Chargers might as well take advantage of the rest of the league’s hesitancy to sign Dobbins and get him back in the building.
JK Dobbins Impressive 2024 Season
The new Chargers offensive weapon, JK Dobbins was coming off plenty of major injuries throughout his career with the Baltimore Ravens leading to major skepticism if he could ever return form. The Chargers coaching staff had connections to the former Raven and decided to give him a chance. Dobbins took that chance and ran with it, literally.
The former Ohio State star had a bounce-back season with the Chargers in 2024, rushing for 905 yards in only 13 games. An astounding 4.6 yards per carry. Doing so behind a poor interior offensive line, Dobbins showed that he can create electric plays from nothing.
On top of his electric running style, the pass protection from Dobbins should not be understated, as his presence was missed mightily when he was out in 2024. If the Chargers’ plan is to find a young runner to replace Dobbins, good luck finding someone who is as good as Dobbins right away in pass protection.
That said, the main issue with Dobbins was his health before his signing with the Chargers and while he played in 13 games, there is still some more to be seen from him. He suffered a knee sprain that sidelined him for about four games, which is likely giving teams much pause if he is ever going to be a reliable runner.
Why is JK Dobbins still a free agent?
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) March 15, 2025
Why Dobbins Still Makes Sense in 2025
Even with the injury issues, this Chargers offense desperately needs an explosive maker…in any skill position room. By signing Dobbins, you will get an explosive runner who knows the offense extremely well and will mesh even more with this Chargers offensive line, whilst knowing the protects that Herbert likes.
His 2024 season also boasted his incredible pass-blocking ability on third downs, allowing Justin Herbert to process defenses for just a bit longer. The backup running backs were a complete liability in this realm, and bringing back Dobbins for this alone should be enough to sell the fanbase. Protect your star QB at any cost.
The argument against signing Dobbins is that the Chargers already invested in a contract with former Steelers first-round selection, Najee Harris. While Harris will take the majority of the workload, signing the 2024 Chargers star, will allow both to get ample rest and stay fresh, reducing the chance of injury for both backs.
Harris is not known for creating explosive runs, so by having Dobbins back, you have perfect thunder and lightning that Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh should want in their run-heavy approach to the Chargers offense.
Also, the lack of interest in Dobbins is likely a sign that teams are weary of handing him a large contract, thus allowing the Chargers to likely sign him for around the same number they signed him for last year, maybe this time with play time incentives. A cheap, easy signing that will boost this Chargers offense greatly.
Would really like if the Chargers signed Dobbins back. He can get 8-12 touches a game while Najee gets 15-20.
Allows both to stay fresh and reduce injury, while giving the Bolts the thunder and lightning duo they haven’t had since Gordon & Ekeler. Shouldn’t be too costly either!
— Nate Gosney (@NateGosney) March 16, 2025
Last Word On The Idea Of JK Dobbins Back With the Chargers in 2025
This Chargers offense that features Najee Harris and JK Dobbins would be quite scary, especially if you consider another year of continuity across this offensive scheme and line. A team that is so hell-bent on running the football should not bat an eye when there is a financially acceptable elite runner of the football available who knows your entire team.
It almost makes too much sense for the Chargers, now all that is really left for the Bolts to do is send over a contract to Dobbins’ agent and allow for him to decide if the reduction in playing time, but much more efficiency is worth the dollar amount the Chargers are willing to give.
Main Image: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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