J.K. Dobbins Signs with Denver Broncos: A Game-Changer for the Backfield

The Denver Broncos just made a splash in their backfield, inking veteran running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year, $5.25 million deal on June 10, 2025. Coming off a career-best season with the Los Angeles Chargers, the 26-year-old former Ohio State star brings a dynamic edge to a Broncos offense looking to take the next step. This signing, paired with rookie standout R.J. Harvey, could be the spark Denver needs to revamp a rushing attack that ranked a middling 16th in the NFL last year. Let’s break down what this means for the Broncos and why fans are buzzing.

A Proven Talent with a Point to Prove

Dobbins is no stranger to adversity. After a stellar rookie year with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, his career was derailed by injuries—a torn ACL in 2021, a partial 2022 season, and an Achilles tear in 2023. But 2024 was his comeback story. With the Chargers, he racked up 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in just 13 games, averaging a solid 4.6 yards per carry. He also showed off his versatility, hauling in 32 catches for 153 yards. His performance earned him a runner-up spot for the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year, trailing only his old Ohio State teammate Joe Burrow.

Now, Dobbins joins a Broncos team hungry to build around young quarterback Bo Nix, who showed promise in his 2024 rookie season. The one-year deal—$2.75 million base with up to $2.5 million in incentives tied to yards from scrimmage—is a low-risk, high-reward move for Denver. If Dobbins stays healthy, he could be the lead back, especially after the departure of last year’s top rusher, Javonte Williams, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency.

A Crowded but Talented Backfield

The Broncos’ running back room is suddenly stacked, and head coach Sean Payton seems thrilled about the competition. Denver drafted UCF star R.J. Harvey in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a pick that signaled their intent to prioritize the run game. Harvey, known for his explosive open-field ability, is expected to share carries with Dobbins, forming a potential thunder-and-lightning duo. Payton’s history with the New Orleans Saints suggests he loves a committee approach—think Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara—and Dobbins and Harvey could fill similar roles.

Behind them, the depth chart includes Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson. Estime, a 2024 fifth-rounder, showed flashes but struggled with fumbles and an early injury last season. McLaughlin, a fan favorite for his shiftiness, might see his role shrink with Dobbins’ arrival but could still shine as a change-of-pace back. The addition of Dobbins raises the floor of this group, but it also puts pressure on the younger backs to prove their worth, especially on special teams or in pass protection. Payton himself cautioned against locking in roles too early, saying, “Don’t try to figure out the club right now. It’s way too early.”

Why This Signing Matters

Denver’s offense took strides in 2024, finishing 10-7 and making the playoffs before falling to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round. But the run game was a weak spot, averaging just 4.1 yards per carry (21st in the NFL) and mustering only 35 rushing yards in that playoff loss. With Williams gone and no 100-yard rusher since Latavius Murray in 2023, the Broncos needed a veteran like Dobbins to stabilize the position. His 96-yard, one-touchdown performance against Denver in Week 6 last year with the Chargers showed firsthand what he’s capable of.

For Bo Nix, this is huge. A stronger run game will take pressure off the second-year QB, letting him lean on play-action and manage games more effectively. Posts on X from June 10 reflect the excitement, with fans calling Dobbins and Harvey a “dynamic 1-2 punch” and praising the signing as a sign the Broncos are “all-in” around Nix. The front office’s aggressive offseason—adding tight end Evan Engram, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and safety Talanoa Hufanga alongside Dobbins and Harvey—shows they believe this team can contend in the AFC West.

The Injury Question

The big caveat with Dobbins is his health. He’s missed 49 of 90 possible games in his career, including playoffs, due to a litany of injuries: a broken fibula, torn ACL, LCL, meniscus, hamstring, and Achilles. Some fans on X expressed concern, with one noting, “Yes, JK Dobbins is insanely injury-prone,” but countered that his explosiveness makes him worth the risk, especially with Harvey as a safety net. Payton brushed off worries about Dobbins’ medical history, saying, “We evaluate him like everyone else.” The team’s top-notch health staff and a shared workload with Harvey could help keep Dobbins fresh and on the field.

What’s Next?

Dobbins’ signing, finalized just as the Broncos kicked off mandatory minicamp, has the locker room hyped. Wide receiver Marvin Mims called him “a real physical back” who’ll help the team, while safety Brandon Jones, who knows Dobbins from high school and college, dubbed him “a baller.” The focus now shifts to training camp, where Dobbins will compete for the RB1 role and a chance to shine in third-down situations, given his edge over Harvey and Estime in pass protection.

This move isn’t just about 2025—it’s about Dobbins proving he’s worth a multi-year deal in 2026. At 26, he’s still young enough to cash in if he delivers. For the Broncos, it’s a chance to turn a weakness into a strength and make a statement in a loaded AFC. Will Dobbins stay healthy and lead Denver’s backfield to new heights? Or will Harvey steal the show as the rookie star? One thing’s for sure: the Mile High City’s run game just got a whole lot more exciting.