Free agent running back J.K. Dobbins agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, according to reports, keeping the 26-year-old in the AFC West.
Per the reports, Dobbins’ contract is worth $5.25 million and brings a talented yet oft-injured rusher to an already competitive running backs room in Denver.
Following Tuesday’s minicamp practice, Broncos coach Sean Payton indicated that the team was “close” to finalizing an agreement with Dobbins, who played the first three years of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens before spending last season with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Dobbins visited the Broncos for two days last week, leading to speculation that he was set to sign with Denver.
Dobbins rushed for a career-high 905 yards and a career high-tying nine touchdowns over 13 games for the Chargers last season, which was shortened due to a Week 12 sprained MCL.
After allowing leading rusher Javonte Williams to leave in free agency, the Broncos drafted Central Florida’s R.J. Harvey in April’s NFL draft.
Outside of that, Denver featured Jaleel McLaughlin, who prepares for his third season to make him the most experienced running back with the team. Other backs include former Notre Dame standout Audric Estime, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, and former undrafted players Tyler Badie and Blake Watson.
A second-round pick out of Ohio State in 2020, Dobbins has endured a slew of injuries since entering the NFL. After totaling 925 total yards and nine scores in his rookie year, Dobbins missed all of 2021 and half of 2022 with a knee injury. He also missed all but one game in 2023 with an Achilles injury.
In parts of four NFL seasons spanning 37 games (21 starts), Dobbins has rushed for 2,252 yards and 21 scores along with 59 receptions for 330 yards and one touchdown.
Despite Dobbins’ injury history, Payton expects big things from the Broncos’ newest signee.
“It’s another good football player that we’ve seen firsthand,” Payton said. “I’ve seen him for a while. The importance of that position group, we really like the group we’re working with, (but) it’s just another opportunity to possibly bring in another good football player who can help us win.”
