Dobbins coming back to Broncos on two-year deal

The Broncos are running it back with their primary running back from 2025.

J.K. Dobbins will be back with the team for 2026, agreeing with the club to return on a two-year deal that gives the seven-year veteran a chance to author a better outcome than the frustrating, injury-strangled denouement to last season in which he missed the final seven regular-season games and both postseason contests due to a Lisfranc injury suffered against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Dobbins broke the news of his return to the Broncos himself on social media:

🧡 #Home pic.twitter.com/OtJVOG7wRE

— Jk dobbins (@Jkdobbins22) March 9, 2026

Signed to the team last June, Dobbins emerged not only as a potent threat on the field, but a locker-room leader away from it. Between the lines, he dominated, ranking fifth in the NFL in rushing yardage before what proved to be his season-ending injury. On the sideline, he was a strong voice who helped guide rookie RJ Harvey and aided in his development.

DOBBINS’ CAREER THROUGH BRONCOS SEASON DEFINED BY PROFICIENCY, INJURY

When he’s in the Broncos’ lineup, Dobbins has been among the most-efficient running backs in the NFL going all the way back to his 2020 rookie season in Baltimore. He’s averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry in every season in which he’s had at least 10 attempts, and he ranks third among NFL running backs in average per carry (minimum 300 attempts), with 5.2 yards per attempt.

But part of the equation for Dobbins has been injuries. The Lisfranc injury — which he suffered on what appeared to be a hip-drop tackle by Las Vegas’ Tyree Wilson, although it did not result in a fine — was just the latest in a litany of problems that have resulted in him missing more games than he’s played over the course of his career.

Last season, he barely eked it out on the positive side, playing in 10 games while missing nine, including postseason.

The move likely keeps the Broncos in play to add another running back to the room, either via free agency or the draft. They held formal meetings with multiple running backs at the NFL Scouting Combine, including Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson, Washington’s Jonah Coleman and Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price. Any of them would provide a potential backstop and insurance in case Dobbins succumbs to injury.

Related

Report: Jonathon Cooper completes counseling and mental health programSean Payton tied for worst odds to win NFL Coach of the YearNik Bonitto joins group of stars investing in OKC soccer teamBroncos may have their new interior pass-rush specialist already set to goDover and Cecil project a monster year for Bo Nix in 2026Broncos No. 31 in the NFL in ESPN’s under-25 Power Rankings