What Happened
The Denver Broncos have signed running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year contract reportedly worth $5.25 million, which includes performance-based incentives. Dobbins, who previously played for the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers, visited the Broncos’ facility last week before finalizing the deal. This signing adds depth to the Broncos’ backfield, which has been a focus for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Dobbins’ addition comes at a time when the Broncos are looking to solidify their running game following the departure of Javonte Williams, who led the team in rushing last season but signed with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Dobbins is expected to compete for a significant role in the Broncos’ running back rotation, which includes several other players who had varying levels of success in the previous season.
Key Details
- Contract Terms: Dobbins’ deal is structured with a base value of $2.065 million fully guaranteed, alongside $680,000 in per-game active roster bonuses and additional incentives based on his performance.
- Injury History: Dobbins has faced multiple injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL in 2021, a torn Achilles in 2023, and an MCL sprain in 2024. Despite these setbacks, he achieved a career-high of 905 rushing yards last season with the Chargers.
- Current Roster: The Broncos’ running back roster now includes Dobbins, along with Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Tyler Badie, Blake Watson, and rookie RJ Harvey. The team is expected to evaluate these players during training camp to determine their roles for the upcoming season.
- Coaching Perspective: Broncos head coach Sean Payton has expressed interest in Dobbins’ ability, particularly in third-down situations, indicating that he may be utilized in a versatile role within the offense.
Multiple Perspectives
The signing of Dobbins has been met with optimism from various sources. Denver safety Brandon Jones highlighted Dobbins’ past performance against the Broncos, indicating that he has the potential to be a valuable asset when healthy. Additionally, Payton’s comments suggest that the coaching staff is excited about the possibilities Dobbins brings to the offense.
However, some analysts express caution regarding Dobbins’ injury history. His previous injuries raise questions about his durability and ability to handle a full workload in the NFL. While his performance metrics from last season are promising, the concern remains whether he can maintain that level of play over an entire season without further injury setbacks.
Context & Background
The Broncos have struggled with their running game in recent seasons, and the departure of Williams left a gap that needed to be filled. Dobbins’ signing is part of a broader strategy by the Broncos to revamp their offense under Payton, who is known for his innovative offensive schemes. The addition of Dobbins, along with other offseason acquisitions, reflects the team’s commitment to improving their performance in the upcoming season.
Dobbins was originally drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as a promising talent. However, injuries have hindered his career progression, making this signing a calculated risk for the Broncos. The team’s success may hinge on Dobbins’ ability to stay healthy and contribute effectively.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the signing of Dobbins adds depth to the Broncos’ running back position, several uncertainties remain. It is unclear how the coaching staff will structure the running back rotation, particularly with multiple players vying for carries. The effectiveness of Dobbins in training camp and preseason games will be crucial in determining his role.
Additionally, the long-term implications of Dobbins’ contract and performance are still unknown. If he can remain healthy and perform at a high level, he could become a key player for the Broncos. Conversely, if injuries continue to plague him, the Broncos may need to look for additional solutions in their backfield.
Overall, the Broncos’ depth chart at running back is shaping up to be competitive, and the upcoming training camp will be critical in solidifying roles and expectations for the 2025 season.
