Broncos Bolster Ground Attack with Addition of J.K. Dobbins
The Denver Broncos have reached an agreement with running back J.K. Dobbins, adding a new option to their running back corps. This addition seeks to strengthen the team’s ground game, a key aspect as they prepare for the regular season. The agreement with Dobbins is for one year and $2.75 million, with the possibility of increasing to more than $5 million with incentives. Broncos coach Sean Payton did not immediately confirm the agreement, but indicated they were close to finalizing it. Dobbins visited the Broncos’ facilities last week, and negotiations have been ongoing since then. Dobbins has had to deal with multiple injuries since he was drafted in 2020. Last season, he achieved his best marks in rushing yards (905), receptions (32), and receiving yards (153), in addition to tying his personal record with nine rushing touchdowns. In the previous season, Dobbins ran for 96 yards on 25 carries in a victory against the Broncos.Dobbins, 26, missed the 2021 season due to a torn ACL, and almost the entire 2023 season due to a torn Achilles tendon. He also missed four games last season due to a sprained MCL. Javonte Williams, who led the Broncos in carries (139) and rushing yards (513) in 2024, joined the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Williams, known for his pass protection ability, was often used in third-down situations and long passes. The Broncos are expected to give Dobbins a chance in that third-down role before Week 1. The Broncos have four other running backs who had carries last season: Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Blake Watson, and Tyler Badie. Of them, McLaughlin, who could be considered undersized for certain pass protection duties, had the most rushing yards (430) and rushing touchdowns (four) on the team last season. The Broncos also selected Central Florida running back RJ Harvey in the second round of April’s NFL draft. Payton has praised Harvey’s work during the offseason and believes he can eventually be a player who participates in all down and distance situations. Harvey has been working on the offense since the team’s rookie minicamp in May, followed by two OTA sessions and this week’s minicamp.He’s a good runner, especially when he’s healthy. He was one of the runners who had one of the best games against us last year, so I’m very excited.
Brandon Jones, Broncos safety
