Kansas City, MO – May 1, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs electrified 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 dynamic 26-year-old, who racked up 905 rushing yards in 2024, arrives to turbocharge Kansas City’s ground attack 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 burst. His speed and elusiveness, clocking a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, make him a perfect complement to Isiah Pacheco’s bruising style, fortifying a backfield crafted by Andy Reid’s versatile scheme. “J.K.’s a game-changer,” Reid told reporters, banking on Dobbins to lighten the load on Pacheco, who posted 935 yards in 2024, as Kareem Hunt nears 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, fresh off drafting Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals, Jeffrey Bassa, and Brashard Smith, needed a spark for an offense ranked 28th in rushing yards at 1,392. Dobbins joins Pacheco and Elijah Mitchell, pushing Hunt to a lesser role.
“J.K. brings the juice,” GM Brett Veach said. The Chargers shifted to Gus Edwards, letting Dobbins walk. With three remaining picks, including No. 226, Kansas City targets receiver depth to replace DeAndre Hopkins. Dobbins’ arrival, a bold coup, sets Chiefs Kingdom ablaze with 2025 Super Bowl hopes, arming Patrick Mahomes with a revved-up backfield to dominate the AFC.
