Kansas City, MO – May 1, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs supercharged their backfield Monday, signing former Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year, $4 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The electrifying 26-year-old, who amassed 905 rushing yards in 2024, joins Kansas City to revitalize their ground game after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dobbins, a 2020 second-round pick, averaged 5.7 yards per carry with the Chargers, showcasing his explosive speed. His agility and 4.4-second 40-yard dash make him an ideal complement to Isiah Pacheco’s punishing runs, enhancing Andy Reid’s multifaceted offense. “J.K.’s a sparkplug,” Reid told reporters, banking on Dobbins to share carries with Pacheco, who gained 935 yards in 2024, as Kareem Hunt approaches 30.
Chiefs receive: RB J.K. Dobbins on a one-year, $4 million contract ($4 million cap hit in 2025).
Chargers’ role: Dobbins, an unrestricted free agent, was not re-signed after his 2024 contract expired.
With $12.7 million in cap space, Kansas City absorbed Dobbins’ $4 million hit, fueled by cuts to Mike Danna and Nikko Remigio. The Chiefs, having drafted Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals, Jeffrey Bassa, and Brashard Smith, needed a boost for an offense that ranked 28th with 1,392 rushing yards. Dobbins joins Pacheco and Elijah Mitchell, sidelining Hunt’s aging presence.
“J.K. ignites our attack,” GM Brett Veach said. The Chargers, leaning on Gus Edwards, let Dobbins walk. With three remaining picks, including No. 226, Kansas City targets receiver depth to replace DeAndre Hopkins. Dobbins’ arrival, a thrilling coup, sets Chiefs Kingdom ablaze with 2025 Super Bowl aspirations, equipping Patrick Mahomes with a backfield brimming with speed and power to conquer the AFC.
