During the offseason, the Denver Broncos focused much of their free agency spending on bolstering the middle of their defense. They also made a splash on offense by signing veteran tight end Evan Engram, providing quarterback Bo Nix with another receiving weapon.
However, one position they largely ignored was running back. With their leading rusher, Javonte Williams, departing for the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal, many expect the Broncos to target a running back early in the NFL Draft. However, holding the 20th overall pick, they may miss out on top prospects Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton.
The Broncos’ current running back group—Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson—combined for just 902 yards and three touchdowns last season. Given those numbers, it’s clear Denver needs to add not just one, but two running backs to strengthen the offense.
While the Broncos are expected to draft a running back early, they should also sign a veteran, and J.K. Dobbins is an ideal fit. The former second-round pick had a career-best season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, rushing for 905 yards on 4.6 yards per carry while scoring nine touchdowns.
Dobbins also brings value as a pass-catcher, something head coach Sean Payton prioritizes. Last season, he hauled in a career-high 32 receptions for 153 yards—more catches than all four of the Broncos’ current running backs combined and 39 more receiving yards.
Before suffering an MCL sprain in Week 12, Dobbins was dominant, opening the season with 135- and 131-yard rushing performances. If healthy, he could provide the Broncos with a much-needed veteran presence in the backfield.
Despite struggling as a runner last season—averaging just 3.7 yards per carry—Javonte Williams played significantly more snaps than Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver’s second-leading rusher. This wasn’t due to Williams being the most effective back, but rather because he was one of the team’s best pass-blocking running backs.
If the Broncos draft two rookie running backs, they will likely need time to develop as pass protectors for Bo Nix. That’s where adding a veteran like J.K. Dobbins could make a difference.
Although just 26 years old, Dobbins has dealt with serious injuries, including a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles that sidelined him for nearly all of 2023. When healthy, however, he has proven to be a productive rusher and a capable receiving threat—two qualities Denver needs in its backfield.
If the Broncos were willing to take a chance on J.K. Dobbins, they could likely sign him at a bargain. According to Spotrac.com, his market value is projected at a two-year, $8.1 million contract, but the longer he remains unsigned, the lower his guaranteed money could drop.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Dobbins ends up signing a one-year “prove-it” deal before the season begins. Even if Denver were to bring him in—or sign another veteran running back—it wouldn’t change their approach to the first round of the NFL Draft, where they are still expected to target a top prospect at the position.
