Mile High Report
The Broncos are signing veteran running back J.K. Dobbins to improve their backfield.
According to just about every NFL insider, the Denver Broncos have signed veteran running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year deal. NFL Network’s insider Tom Pelissero is reporting that it’s a one-year, $5.25 million dollar deal.
Dobbins traveled to Denver last week to meet with the Broncos and left without a deal in place. However, reports indicated that the meeting went well and that the veteran running back remained on their radar. Now, he joins a Broncos backfield looking to improve on what they had last season and will be pairing with explosive rookie running back R.J. Harvey.
Dobbins is coming off a productive season for the rival Chargers, where he rushed for 905 yards, averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and had 9 rushing touchdowns. He did miss four games due to a sprained MCL, so he was well on his way to top 1,000 yards rushing and hit double digits in rushing touchdowns.
Signing J.K. Dobbins always made sense for the Broncos, from the moment free agency opened. They had a major need at running back, and Dobbins would solve that and then some. He will stabilize that room, give them a proven veteran who can contribute at a high level, and someone who could play on third downs for them. This would also allow rookie R.J. Harvey to shift into more of that ‘Joker’/Alvin Kamara role while Dobbins can fill the Mark Ingram role. The Broncos made it a priority to improve their running game this offseason, and adding Dobbins and Harvey would do just that.
With Dobbins now signed, this is a bit of a blow to Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin. They would be pushed down on the depth chart and likely be on the roster bubble moving forward. Could both backs still make the team? Sure, but special teams, pass blocking, and how Payton wants to build the roster all will factor into who stays and who goes.
Dobbins does come with some injury concerns that have sidelined him for a number of games throughout his career. He missed four games last season due to a knee injury, but hopefully, the Broncos' strength and conditioning staff can keep him healthy moving forward.
I love this signing and believe a boost in the running game will be huge for the Broncos' offense moving forward. Bo Nix had an excellent rookie season with little to no run game to lean on. Now, with Harvey and Dobbins added to the mix along with his pass-catching additions and overall improvement from the young players, this offense could be special.
