Chargers Named Potential Suitor for 1000-Yard Rusher From 2024 Season

Los Angeles Chargers fans are feeling optimistic about the franchise's future for the first time in a long time. Jim Harbaugh guided the Chargers to an impressive 11-6 record in his first year behind the bench, marking their highest win total since 2018 (12).

Several players played big roles in that success, including veteran running back J.K. Dobbins. The oft-injured runner had his best NFL campaign to date as he set personal bests in carries (195), rushing yards (905), touchdowns (9), and receiving yards (153) across 13 appearances.

Unfortunately, Dobbins might not get the chance to have an encore performance in Los Angeles due to his becoming a free agent in March. Regardless of why he might potentially leave, one NFL analyst is already projecting the Chargers to replace him with a 1,000-yard rusher.

Chargers Rumors: Could Los Angeles Target RB Rico Dowdle in Fee Agency?

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently made some projections regarding several upcoming free-agent RBs. With Dobbins potentially leaving L.A., Knox wouldn't be shocked if the Chargers made a play for Dallas Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle.

Dowdle, 26, is looking for a major pay raise after racking up a career-high 1,079 rushing yards on 235 carries across 16 games last season, scoring five total TDs along the way.

There's a good chance that the Cowboys won't be able to meet his demands given that they're nearly $1 million over the salary cap, per Spotrac. For comparison, the Chargers own the sixth-most cap space ($64.9 million), giving them more than enough scratch to lure Dowdle to the Golden State.

Harbaugh's RB-friendly offense could benefit Dowdle, who just averaged a personal-best 4.6 yards per carry in 2024. Chargers fans already saw how Dobbins experienced a career resurgence under the 61-year-old's watch, meaning it isn't unfathomable to believe that Dowdle could reach even greater heights in Los Angeles.

Speaking of which, a potential Dobbins return wouldn't necessarily rule out a deal with the pending Cowboys free agent.

"The Chargers should also be interested, even if they retain Dobbins, as backfield depth was an issue this past season," Knox added.

Injuries plagued the Chargers' backfield last season. Hassan Haskins was the only L.A. RB to play all 17 games as Dobbins missed 10 combined games due to injury while Kimani Vidal was a frequent scratch.

While it makes sense for the Chargers to want to roster two RBs capable of producing 1,000 yards, re-signing Dobbins might make Dowdle lose any potential interest he has. The former South Carolina Gamecock just had to compete with Ezekiel Elliott for carries and might rather join a team where he'd be the focal point of the backfield.

The Chargers' interest in Dowdle will be revealed the closer we get to the NFL's free agent tampering period, which lasts from March 10-12.

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