The Denver Broncos have made a significant move in free agency, officially signing two-time Pro Bowl running back J.K. Dobbins. With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, Denver opted to solidify its backfield by bringing in the former Baltimore Ravens draft pick, who most recently played for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Dobbins, a dynamic and proven rusher, turned down other suitors to join the Broncos, a team in need of consistency in the ground game. The move helps Denver avoid reaching for a running back in the draft, where they hold the No. 20 overall pick—likely out of range for top prospects like Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton.
J.K. Dobbins Considered a ‘Best Fit’ for Denver
NFL analysts had already pegged Denver as an ideal landing spot for Dobbins. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox highlighted his potential impact, writing:
“When healthy, J.K. Dobbins has been a productive and difference-making running back. Dobbins showcased his intriguing ability with the Chargers last season, but after signing Najee Harris, Los Angeles might not be interested in a reunion.
The Broncos, though, should be interested in scooping up the former division rival. Denver struggled to find a consistent ground game in 2024, and Dobbins would be a fine complement to the smaller but speedy Jaleel McLaughlin.”
While some question whether Dobbins fits the exact mold Denver is looking for, his production when healthy speaks for itself. The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider noted that while Dobbins has never been a major receiving threat, his rushing ability is among the best in the league when he’s on the field.
“There were times last season where Dobbins looked like one of the better rushers in football this side of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. If his market dwindles, it could be worth a flier for the Broncos as they reshape their backfield ahead of the NFL Draft.”
J.K. Dobbins’ 2024 Performance and Injury History
Dobbins enjoyed a productive season with the Chargers in 2024, rushing for 905 yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries across 13 games. However, his season was inconsistent—he exploded for 266 rushing yards in the first two games but managed only 639 yards over the rest of the year.
One concern for Denver will be Dobbins’ extensive injury history. Since entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2020, he has missed significant time each season, including the entire 2021 campaign due to a torn ACL. In 2024, he was sidelined for four games with a knee injury.
However, the Broncos have built a reputation for keeping players healthy under head coach Sean Payton, a factor that likely influenced their decision. The team recently signed Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga in free agency, showing faith in their medical staff’s ability to manage injury risks.
“For starters only, Denver had just 31 man-games lost in the 2024 season to injuries. This follows a 2023 campaign in which the Broncos had 33 man-games lost by first-teamers,” Andrew Mason of Denver Sports noted.
Dobbins’ Market Value and Contract Details
Dobbins entered free agency as one of the more difficult players to evaluate. The Athletic ranked him as the second-best running back and No. 45 overall free agent despite his injury concerns.
“Through five seasons, he’s played only 37 of a possible 84 games, missing time because of a host of injuries. But he’s still young, and when he’s on the field, he’s a terrific runner, averaging 5.2 yards per carry in his career,” The Athletic’s staff wrote in February.
Dobbins earned $1.6 million with the Chargers last season and had amassed $7.6 million in career earnings. According to Spotrac, his projected market value was a two-year, $8.1 million deal, which aligns with the Broncos’ salary cap situation. Per Over The Cap, Denver still has $20.5 million in remaining cap space and could create more with contract restructures for players like Courtland Sutton and Zach Allen.
With Dobbins now in the fold, the Broncos have solidified their backfield, adding a powerful, experienced runner to complement their existing talent. If he can stay healthy, Dobbins could be a key piece in Denver’s push to return to playoff contention.
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