Jim Harbaugh Signs Another Ex-Raven for New-Look Chargers Squad

New Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has wasted no time reshaping this roster to fit his vision for LA. Cutting Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen signaled the start of a new era in some way for the Chargers, who now appear focused on adding youth as the foundations of this ball club.

The ground game figures to be one of Harbaugh's tenets for this offense during his tenure, and while he could still add some talent in next week's draft, he's instead sought out another former Raven for his backfield.

Chargers News: J.K. Dobbins Signed to One-Year Contract

Late Wednesday night, it was revealed by several insiders the Chargers had agreed to a deal with running back J.K. Dobbins. That marks yet another person with Baltimore ties that Harbaugh has stolen from his brother, John, this offseason.

One of those people was fellow RB Gus Edwards, who's set to reunite with Dobbins now that both are in Los Angeles. The two were leads of the Ravens' backfield since joining forces, so it's no surprise Harbaugh sought both out to ensure he has a top-level running back corps right away in 2024.

Dobbins is more of the lightning to Edwards' thunder, providing the Chargers with a legitimate big-play threat. The Ohio State product posted yards-per-carry averages of 6.0 and 5.7 to begin his career, highlighting his ability to break free for serious gains.

Unfortunately, injuries have slowed Dobbins down since his impressive 800-yard, 9-touchdown rookie season. A devastating preseason injury — which included hamstring, ACL and meniscus damage — prior to the 2021 campaign cost him the entire year and part of the 2022 season.

Dobbins then hoped to bounce back with a full campaign in 2023, but he tore his Achilles in Week 1, which shelved him for the rest of that year, too.

Given his major health issues to begin his career, it's no wonder Dobbins was one of the few big-name veterans still available in free agency. However, if he gets close to electric playmaking form, this likely low-cost signing could have huge upside.

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