J.K. Dobbins Joins Denver Broncos Backfield Rotation

10 Jun at 8:19 pm

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J.K. Dobbins Joins Denver Broncos Backfield Rotation \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Denver Broncos have signed running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year deal worth up to $5.25 million. Despite injury setbacks, Dobbins was productive last season with the Chargers and is expected to share duties with rookie R.J. Harvey. His arrival strengthens a backfield left thin after Javonte Williams’ departure.

Quick Looks

Broncos agree to terms with J.K. Dobbins on a one-year, $5.25M deal.
Dobbins had 905 rushing yards and nine TDs with the Chargers in 2024.
He previously tore his ACL in 2021 and Achilles in 2023.
Dobbins visited Denver last week before signing.
He’s expected to split reps with rookie R.J. Harvey.
Javonte Williams’ exit to Dallas leaves pass protection void.
Broncos also have Blake Watson, Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Tyler Badie.
Dobbins ran for 96 yards and a TD at Denver last season.

Deep Look

The Denver Broncos made headlines Tuesday by signing J.K. Dobbins to a one-year contract worth up to $5.25 million, a high-upside move that adds a dynamic, if injury-prone, weapon to their offensive backfield. It’s a calculated gamble by head coach Sean Payton, one that could pay big dividends if the former Ohio State standout can finally stay healthy for a full season.

This move comes just as the Broncos concluded Day 1 of their mandatory minicamp, a pivotal stretch as Payton attempts to reengineer a team that finished 8–9 in 2024 and missed the playoffs for the ninth straight year. While the quarterback battle garners headlines, running back remains one of the team’s more unsettled position groups — especially after the departure of Javonte Williams in free agency to the Dallas Cowboys.

Williams had been Denver’s most reliable pass-blocking back and their best third-down option. With his exit, the Broncos were in the market for a player who could do more than just carry the ball — they needed someone capable of protecting the quarterback, catching passes, and breaking open a stale offense.

Enter J.K. Dobbins.

A Talented Back With Lingering Questions

Drafted in the second round in 2020 by the Baltimore Ravens, Dobbins was initially expected to become one of the NFL’s premier dual-threat backs. His rookie campaign hinted at greatness: 805 yards on just 134 carries (6.0 YPC) and nine touchdowns in a run-heavy Ravens offense.

But a torn ACL in 2021, followed by further complications in 2022, and a torn Achilles tendon early in 2023, derailed his ascent. Despite the setback, Dobbins showed grit and determination, working his way back to full strength and ultimately landing with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he played in 13 games in 2024.

There, he put together a quietly strong season: 905 rushing yards on 195 carries, nine touchdowns, and 28 receptions for 216 yards. He missed four games with a sprained knee — the latest in his unfortunate injury chronology — but when active, he displayed decisive cuts, good vision, and improved pass-blocking skills.

Why the Broncos Made the Move

For Denver, the Dobbins signing is about opportunity, value, and need.

The contract’s structure — heavily incentive-based — suggests the team is mindful of Dobbins’ medical history. But it also reflects optimism that he can compete for a starting role or form a potent rotation with rookie R.J. Harvey, a second-round draft pick out of Central Florida.

Harvey brings explosiveness and upside, but he’s still adjusting to NFL speed and protections. Pairing him with a veteran like Dobbins allows Payton to mix experience with youth — a philosophy he used effectively during his Saints tenure with backs like Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, and Latavius Murray.

In an AFC West division where defenses are increasingly built to stop spread passing games, a physical, versatile ground attack can create a mismatch. That’s the vision Denver hopes to realize with Dobbins.

Tuition-Free Lessons from Last Season

Perhaps the most intriguing subplot in this acquisition is that Dobbins’ best performance of 2024 came at Denver’s expense. In an October game at Empower Field, Dobbins gashed the Broncos for 96 yards on 25 carries, scored a touchdown, and helped the Chargers walk away with a 23-16 win.

“He had a great game against us,” said Broncos safety Brandon Jones, who now calls Dobbins a teammate. “We go way back — high school, college. I know how hard he plays, how smart he is, and how explosive he can be. I’m pumped he’s here.”

Jones wasn’t alone in praising the move. Internally, Denver’s coaching staff reportedly cited that very game as an example of Dobbins’ value when fully healthy — particularly his tough inside running and clock management in the fourth quarter, traits Denver lacked last season.

Broncos’ Running Back Room: Now and Next

With Dobbins signed, the Broncos now have six backs on the roster:

J.K. Dobbins (veteran, injury-prone but high ceiling)
R.J. Harvey (rookie, explosive but raw)
Blake Watson (second-year, versatile but untested)
Audric Estime (second-year, power runner with upside)
Jaleel McLaughlin (third-year, change-of-pace back)
Tyler Badie (fourth-year, special teams contributor)

It’s clear Payton is casting a wide net — giving himself multiple options in case injuries strike again or younger players fail to develop. Dobbins’ experience and leadership could prove invaluable for Harvey, who is expected to take on a major workload by midseason.

Moreover, Dobbins offers an immediate solution to Denver’s third-down concerns. His pass protection improved significantly with the Chargers, and he showed soft hands as a receiver — critical skills in Payton’s offense, which often features swing passes and screen setups to keep defenses honest.

Sean Payton’s Philosophy and Fit

Sean Payton has always valued balance and versatility in his offensive schemes. Whether with Drew Brees in New Orleans or Russell Wilson in Denver, his playbooks rely on multiple personnel groupings, layered motion, and backs who can read blitzes, catch, and block.

Dobbins, when healthy, checks all those boxes.

In his Saints years, Payton regularly got the most out of running backs whose careers had plateaued or were considered high-risk. Dobbins could be his next reclamation success story — assuming durability doesn’t become a recurring issue.

What’s at Stake

Dobbins has everything to prove in 2025. At just 26 years old, he still has time to carve out a strong second half of his career. But the NFL is an unforgiving place, especially for running backs. If he stays healthy and productive in Denver, he could earn a multi-year extension or another big free-agent opportunity in 2026.

For the Broncos, this is a no-lose situation. If Dobbins thrives, they gain a high-level runner for a modest price. If he falters, they’ve already built depth behind him and don’t take on long-term financial risk.

Conclusion

The J.K. Dobbins signing reflects a smart, calculated move by the Broncos — a blend of hope, caution, and strategy. Denver gains a proven weapon with explosive upside, and Dobbins gains a fresh start with a head coach who knows how to maximize talent.

As minicamp rolls on and training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how this backfield takes shape — and whether J.K. Dobbins can finally turn potential into lasting production in Mile High.