Report: Broncos sign running back J.K. Dobbins

The Denver Broncos made a significant addition to their backfield on Tuesday, signing J.K. Dobbins to a one-year deal worth $5.25 million, according to NFL Network.

Dobbins had more rushing touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Chargers than the Broncos got from their entire group of running backs. And Denver has seen Javonte Williams leave, meaning there was a pretty big hole with just a room of rookies and unproven players left at running back for the Broncos. But that’s no more. Dobbins, who had visited with the Broncos last week but didn’t sign, inked the deal as Denver retook the field on Tuesday.

Last season, the 26-year-old Dobbins rushed for 905 yards and nine touchdowns in his lone fall with the Chargers. The No. 55 pick out of Ohio State in the 2020 NFL Draft has had his career plagued by injuries. It’s why the Baltimore Ravens went a different direction after Dobbins only suited up for nine games between 2021 and 2023. Simply said, when he’s healthy, he’s one of the better backs in the league, but injuries have taken a big toll on his career.

Dobbins seems to be a threat for 1,000 yards every time he has stayed healthy for an entire campaign. Last year, he was so strong on his feet that he finished runner-up in the AP’s Comeback Player of the Year race. After leaving the East Coast and John Harbaugh, Dobbins played on the West Coast for Jim Harbaugh. The rushing-oriented coaches certainly helped bolster his game. Despite a solid season and no fumbles since 2020, this Harbaugh too chose another direction, making like his brother, who replaced Dobbins with Derrick Henry but instead with Najee Harris.

J.K. Dobbins, the Comeback Player of the Year finalist, is signing with the #Broncos on a one-year, $5.25 million deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Still only 26, Dobbins had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 9 TDs in 13 games last season with the #Chargers. pic.twitter.com/N3aZ4RKa8D

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 10, 2025

It’s no secret that Sean Payton and Broncos brass were looking at backs this offseason, even using pick No. 60 in the NFL Draft on UCF runner RJ Harvey. The most experienced player returning in Denver is soon-to-be third-year Jaleel McLaughlin, who has over 900 rushing yards in his time with the Broncos, mostly as a third-stringer.

Dobbins is a welcome addition, and it’s on a pretty team-friendly prove-it deal.

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