NFL
What Is The Unrestricted Free Agent Tender? Chargers Use UFA Tender On J.K. Dobbins
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Get to know Dan Girolamo betterPublished29 Apr 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers used the unrestricted free agent (UFA) tender on running back J.K. Dobbins. What does the UFA tender mean, and how much is it worth?
Chargers Use Unrestricted Free Agent Tender On J.K. Dobbins
Chargers applied the unrestricted free-agent (UFA) tender to running back JK Dobbins, who remains eligible to sign with any team. Dobbins now will still count against the compensatory formula if he signs with another team before training camps open in July. But the Chargers will… pic.twitter.com/MvyFHgkLqI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2025
The Chargers implanted the rare UFA tender on its top running back from 2024. Dobbins is a free agent and remains unsigned.
With the UFA tender attached to his name, Dobbins can still sign with any team. However, the Chargers now hold exclusive negotiating rights if Dobbins does not sign by July 22 or the first day of training camp, whichever comes later.
Dobbins’ franchise tender is worth approximately $1.1 million. If the running back does not sign with another team, he would stand to make $3.428 million if he played out the year on the tender with the Chargers.
If Dobbins does sign with another team before July 22, the Chargers would receive a compensatory draft pick in 2026.
The Cleveland Browns also used the unrestricted free agent tender on wide receiver Elijah Moore.
Dobbins tore his Achilles tendon with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 of the 2023 season. That ended up being Dobbins’ last snap in Baltimore.
Dobbins signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in April 2024.
Under Jim Harbaugh’s offense, Dobbins had his best season as a pro, setting career highs in carries (195), yards (905), and touchdowns (9). Dobbins caught 32 passes for 153 yards, both career bests.
Dobbins finished second in the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year voting behind Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow.
Los Angeles Backfield In 2025
O checks all the boxes pic.twitter.com/sGsACCkDcb
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 29, 2025
The Chargers added more depth to the running back room this offseason.
Los Angeles selected North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hampton rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns in 12 games for the Tar Heels.
The Chargers also signed former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, who rushed for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.
Due to Harbaugh’s commitment to establishing the run, the Chargers would more than welcome Dobbins back to the team to create a three-headed rushing attack.
