Broncos take advantage of division rival’s odd decision, and it plays right into the hands of Sean Payton
The offense for Sean Payton just got an upgrade and added depth in one move. Broncos agree to deal with RB J.K. Dobbins According to Tom Pelissero, the Broncos are signing running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year deal, worth $5.25 million. The veteran RB won't return to the Los Angeles Chargers. rather choosing to […]
The offense for Sean Payton just got an upgrade and added depth in one move.
Broncos agree to deal with RB J.K. Dobbins
According to Tom Pelissero, the Broncos are signing running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year deal, worth $5.25 million. The veteran RB won't return to the Los Angeles Chargers. rather choosing to join their divisional foe.
I discussed the potential landing of Dobbins in Denver late last week. It made a ton of sense for both sides, and he will play a notable role for their offense.
That being said, a strong veteran presence who can be a safety net at times for young QB Bo Nix would be a smart addition to the roster. Not to mention, the addition of Dobbins would prevent his return to Los Angeles.
The Chargers did not bring back Dobbins, which was a bit of a surprise this offseason. Instead, they chose to sign veteran RB Najee Harris and draft Omarion Hampton in round one of the draft.
That latter decision wrote off any chance at a return to LA for Dobbins.
Projected roles for Dobbins and Harvey
The expectation feels like Dobbins and rookie R.J. Harvey will headline this backfield for the Broncos now. Sean Payton has plenty of experience using a two-headed running back approach in years past, particularly when he was with the New Orleans Saints.
When it comes to duos in the backfield, Payton did not shy away from that either. He poured draft capital into the position, including a top-five overall pick. Payton drafted three running backs in the top seventy selections with New Orleans (Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara).
The latter two created one of the most balanced rushing attacks of the past two decades in the NFL. Ingram provided power, while Kamara gave the offensive explosiveness and elusiveness on the ground. Not to mention, Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas created a dynamic duo earlier in Payton’s time with the Saints. — A to Z Sports
Payton clearly wasn't settling for the running back room that Denver had ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Early compensation and this latest free agent move now pushes players like Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, and Tyler Badie down the depth chart. One of those backs may not make the active roster for Week 1.
The Denver Broncos are getting what they desperately needed last year — a running back who can be that guy on third down. Javonte Williams wasn't great at hitting gaps and making cuts, and then, of course, he struggled in the passing game. McLaughlin was too small to be an every-down back and give the ball a lot each game. And Audric Estime was a rookie, and he had some of his own issues, whether it was speed and burst or just being effective when he wasn't running the ball.
Now, with rookie R.J. Harvey likely being the starter, the Broncos have depth. This will likely bring Harvey off of the field on long downs and third downs. Dobbins is much better at short yardage when you need one yard to start a new set of downs, and as of right now, until we see differently in an actual game, he is better at catching the ball. But, this can be great for Harvey as well, because the young stud running back will now have his veteran, and a guy to show him the ropes, while also showing him what to do and what not to do during the offseason. — Justin Churchill
For Dobbins, he will get to work with yet another mobile quarterback in Bo Nix. He has notable experience with athletes at QB in Lamar Jackson and (to a lesser extent to a point) Justin Herbert.
Expect him to make an impact immediately for Sean Payton's team.
Sean Payton’s history reveals that the Denver Broncos’ run game shouldn’t falter one bit despite glaring issue
The Broncos should be improved.
