Joe Hortiz Reveals Why Chargers Signed J.K. Dobbins

Matt Levine | Apr 18, 2024

With the NFL Draft coming up next week, the Los Angeles Chargers have been preparing to bring in more talent to bolster their depth. Los Angeles lost a few of their main players in free agency this season, including former running back Austin Ekeler.

With Ekeler gone, the team pivoted to sign Gus Edwards to a free-agent deal. But Edwards has been better suited to be part of a committee in the backfield. The Bolts agreed and signed free agent J.K. Dobbins to a one-year deal earlier this week, reuniting the two running backs from their days in Baltimore together.

Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz opened up about why the Bolts decided to pursue Dobbins this offseason, even with him coming off an Achilles injury.

“I think one of the benefits to free agency, when you get to sign someone, you know what type of player they are, what type of person they are, how they’re going to be in this culture we’re setting up here, how they’re a fit – it’s great when you have an opportunity to do something like that,” Hortiz said of Dobbins.

Hortiz is familiar with Dobbins from his time with the Ravens, giving him plenty of insight into how Dobbins is as a player. Injuries have taken their toll on his career but Dobbins has been special when he has available on the field. Hortiz said he is just happy to have the former second round pick with the team.

“Just really excited to get him here.”

Los Angeles may elect to still take a running back in the NFL Draft to give them more of a long-term option. But Dobbins should provide them with plenty of power this coming year. He will have something to prove coming off another injury, which could allow the Chargers to get the best version of him in a long time.