Broncos' Dobbins Expected To Leave In Free Agency After One Season Cut Short By Injury

The Denver Broncos landed running back J.K. Dobbins on a one-year, $5.25 million deal back in June, coming off the back of a one-year deal with the division rival Los Angeles Chargers. Dobbins was the veteran that Denver needed in its running back room after selecting RJ Harvey in the second round of the draft in the spring.

Through the first 10 games of the season, the deal looked like a steal for the Broncos. Dobbins rushed for 772 yards and four touchdowns, being the much-needed consistent piece in a not-so-consistent Broncos offense.

Advertisement

Unfortunately, as has been the underlying theme of Dobbins’ career so far, he suffered an injury that will keep him out for the rest of 2025, barring a deep playoff run. It’s not the first serious injury of the 27-year-old’s career, as he’s previously torn his ACL, MCL, meniscus, and Achilles. It’s why, for back-to-back years, Dobbins has only been able to land a one-year deal in free agency.

With his last snaps likely already played in Denver, Dobbins is set to hit free agency again this upcoming offseason, and again, it will come on the back of an injury. While it makes it hard for him to land a multi-year deal, there will still be teams interested in the Broncos' running back on a one-year loan.

In a recent Bleacher Report article by Alex Kay, Dobbins was linked to the Dallas Cowboys next season.

“Dobbins will be well worth rolling the dice on for a cash-strapped club like the Dallas Cowboys,” Kay wrote. “The team could be priced out of retaining Javonte Williams and will want to make up that lost production by coming to terms on a cheap, incentive-laden deal with Dobbins.”

Advertisement

In the case that Denver opts not to spend a similar amount they did this past offseason to keep Dobbins, it could take a blow to its rushing game if Harvey fails to build upon his rookie season.

He’s impressed over the past few weeks, averaging over 90 yards from scrimmage in his last four games while scoring four touchdowns. With the Broncos rolling into the playoffs after claiming the title of AFC West champions, Harvey’s ability to be a game-changing weapon on offense has made up for the times of stagnancy in Denver’s offensive game.

If Dobbins leaves next offseason, the Broncos may not need to replace him at all, instead spending the money in a different area on their roster as they’ll look to remain atop their division for back-to-back seasons. With Harvey’s recent stretch, the future of the Denver rushing game seems to be good hands.