J.K. Dobbins UFA tender, explained: How Chargers decision impacts free agent RB

The Chargers placed a UFA tender on running back J.K. Dobbins on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Chargers already have four running backs rostered after signing Najee Harris in the offseason and drafting Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina on Thursday. There appears to be interest in bringing Dobbins back if he does not find a new team, which is likely why the team went this route.

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Dobbins had a strong year for the Chargers last season, running for 905 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. He also proved he is a reliable pass catcher, posting a career-high 153 receiving yards.

Here's what to know about Dobbins and the UFA tender.   

What is a UFA tender in the NFL?

Similar to a franchise tag, a UFA tender can be placed on a pending unrestricted free agent. When the tender is applied, a player has until a certain day to sign with a team before his negotiating rights become owned exclusively by his former team.

In Dobbins' case, the running back has until July 22 to sign with a team, and he would count towards the Chargers' compensatory draft formula for the 2026 draft. If he does not sign with another team before that date, Los Angeles then holds his exclusive negotiating rights.

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Why did the Chargers apply UFA tender to J.K. Dobbins

It's not totally clear why the Chargers decided to use the UFA tender on Dobbins, but it is definitely a favorable situation for the team.

Dobbins, who is an unrestricted free agent, now has until July to sign with a team before Los Angeles retains his exclusive negotiating rights. If he signs with a team prior to their training camp opening, he will count towards the cap for that team, and the Chargers will get a compensatory draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The running back was an important piece of head coach Jim Harbaugh's offense last year, and there seems to still be interest in bringing him back next season. However, if Dobbins signs with a different team before training camp begins, the Chargers will still receive a compensatory draft pick.

J.K. Dobbins stats

Dobbins had the best season of his career in 2024 in his first year with the Chargers, setting career highs in total yards (1,058) and touchdowns (9). He returned from a torn Achilles suffered with the Ravens in Week 1 of the 2023 season and finished second in NFL Comeback Player of the Year voting behind Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

Here's a closer look at Dobbins' career stats.