Pittsburgh, PA – March 23, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers have bolstered their backfield with a dynamic new addition, signing free agent running back J.K. Dobbins to a two-year, $8.5 million contract, the team announced Sunday evening. The move, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, brings the 26-year-old former Charger to Pittsburgh, filling a void left by Najee Harris’ departure to Los Angeles earlier this offseason.

Dobbins, a second-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, joins the Steelers after a breakout 2024 season with the Chargers, where he rushed for 905 yards and 9 touchdowns in 13 games, averaging an impressive 4.6 yards per carry. Despite a history of injuries—including a torn ACL in 2021 and an Achilles tear in 2023—his resilience earned him a runner-up nod for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year. “J.K.’s a tough, explosive runner who fits our identity,” GM Omar Khan said. “We’re thrilled to have him in black and gold.”

The Steelers, who tendered Jaylen Warren and signed Kenneth Gainwell after losing Harris, now add Dobbins as their RB1, pairing his speed with Warren’s versatility. “He’s the spark we need,” head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters. Fan reactions on X erupted: “Dobbins in Pittsburgh? Here we go!” (@Steelersdepot). Others praised the bargain deal: “Khan’s a wizard—elite RB for cheap!” (@BurghFaithful).

With roughly $6 million in cap space left after the signing, Pittsburgh secures a proven talent to ignite their run-heavy attack. As Dobbins steps into Acrisure Stadium, Steelers Nation hopes he’s the key to a long-awaited playoff breakthrough.