This gives the Chargers exclusive negotiating rights if he does not sign with a team by July 22 or the first 2025 NFL training camp opens, whichever comes first. The tag is mainly useful for compensatory pick reasons as Dobbins will still count towards Los Angeles’ haul in the formula if signed before then. The Chargers currently do not project to add a pick in 2026 per Over The Cap’s Nick Korte.

Dobbins was stuffed early and often against a Houston front seven that has snuffed out opposing rushing attacks for most of the season. He was not targeted in the season-ending loss. The 2024 campaign was a career-revival season for Dobbins after suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries as a member of the Ravens. He quickly emerged in LA as the team’s lead back, gaining 905 yards and scoring nine touchdowns on the ground while catching 32 passes for 153 yards. Dobbins was efficient enough with a 4.6 yards per carry, though his breakaway long speed has definitely diminished from his early years in Baltimore. Dobbins showed enough in 2024 to draw interest in free agency this spring. Entering his age-27 season, Dobbins — an unrestricted free agent — has a chance to stick with longtime OC Greg Roman if he doesn’t get a shot to function as a lead back elsewhere.

Dobbins was limited in practice throughout the week, but this may have been more of a precautionary measure as the team prepares for their first game of the postseason. Over the final two weeks of the regular season, Dobbins rushed 37 times for 139 yards and one touchdown. He should be able to handle the majority of the Chargers’ backfield touches come Saturday, barring any setback.