J.K. Dobbins is getting a fresh start—and the Denver Broncos are betting on a major resurgence. The former Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers running back has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to \$5.25 million with Denver, according to sources close to the situation. It’s a move that signals not only the Broncos’ commitment to revamping their backfield but also their confidence that Dobbins, still only 26, can return to the explosive form that once made him one of the most promising young backs in the NFL.
For Denver, this is more than just a roster move. It’s a calculated swing on upside. The Broncos haven’t had a consistent ground game since the early days of Phillip Lindsay and the brief prime of Javonte Williams. They’ve dealt with a carousel of injuries, inconsistent blocking, and offensive instability for years. Dobbins offers the tantalizing potential of a solution, assuming he can stay on the field. And that’s been the biggest “if” of his career.
Dobbins entered the NFL as a second-round pick out of Ohio State in 2020, and his rookie season was nothing short of electric. He rushed for 805 yards on just 134 carries—a staggering 6.0 yards per carry—and found the end zone nine times. He was a perfect fit in the Ravens’ run-heavy offense, serving as a dynamic complement to Lamar Jackson. His vision, patience, and burst through the line made him one of the league’s most dangerous backs, especially in the red zone.
But since that impressive rookie campaign, Dobbins’ career has been plagued by injuries. A devastating torn ACL, LCL, and meniscus suffered during the 2021 preseason forced him to miss the entire year. He returned in 2022 but never looked fully right, undergoing another knee procedure midseason. Still, in limited action, he flashed enough to remind observers of his potential, including a 120-yard effort against the Steelers and a 93-yard outing against the Browns. Then came 2023, which was supposed to be his bounce-back year. Instead, he tore his Achilles in Week 1.
The injury setbacks have been cruel, especially for a player whose game is built on quick cuts, acceleration, and fluid change-of-direction skills. Yet the Broncos appear to believe Dobbins still has some magic left. And so does he. The one-year deal structure suggests this is a prove-it situation: low risk for Denver, high reward if Dobbins hits. For Dobbins, it’s an opportunity to re-establish himself as a lead back and secure a long-term deal down the line—whether in Denver or elsewhere.
From a roster construction perspective, the addition of Dobbins provides the Broncos with depth, experience, and upside. Javonte Williams is expected to be ready for training camp, but after his own recovery from a major knee injury in 2022, his performance in 2024 remains uncertain. Rookie Audric Estimé, a fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame, offers power and upside but is unproven at the NFL level. Samaje Perine, a reliable third-down and pass-protection back, adds versatility. Now, with Dobbins in the mix, Denver has a more complete and potentially dangerous backfield rotation.
Head coach Sean Payton has always valued dynamic runners who can produce in both phases of the offense. Think of the prime Alvin Kamara years in New Orleans—backs who can hit home runs on the ground but also provide mismatches in the passing game. Dobbins has shown flashes of that versatility, even if he hasn’t had the consistent opportunity to showcase it. If Payton can tap into that skillset, and if Dobbins is physically right, the Broncos may have found themselves a bargain gem.
The financials also point to a sensible deal. At a maximum of \$5.25 million for one year, the contract doesn’t handcuff the Broncos financially and likely contains incentives based on playing time, production, and health. For a team still working through its post-Russell Wilson cap recalibration, maintaining flexibility while taking fliers on upside is exactly what’s needed.
There’s also a mental edge Dobbins brings that could benefit a young Broncos team trying to find its identity. He’s faced adversity most players never encounter. He’s battled through painful surgeries, grueling rehab, and the emotional toll of watching others play while he sat sidelined. If he can bring that fire, leadership, and chip-on-the-shoulder mentality into the locker room, it could resonate beyond the field.
The Broncos are in the middle of a transformative phase as a franchise. Gone is Wilson, gone are lofty expectations, and in comes a developmental quarterback in Bo Nix and a roster being reshaped around youth and competition. But to compete in the AFC West, where Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and now an upgraded Raiders squad lurk, Denver needs players who can flip the field. Dobbins, when healthy, has that ability. His 40-yard dash at the combine clocked in at 4.37 unofficially. His explosiveness in open space is elite. And he’s shown toughness between the tackles when healthy.
For Dobbins, Denver represents not only a new chapter but perhaps his best shot yet at finally fulfilling his star potential. He’ll enter a camp competition but could very well emerge as the RB1 or 1A if he proves healthy. And that’s the big question. Is he back?
Videos from spring workouts have shown encouraging signs. Dobbins looks fluid, his cuts are sharp, and his lateral movement doesn’t appear compromised. He’s been vocal about being ready and has repeatedly emphasized that he feels “stronger than ever.” Still, there’s a difference between workout footage and live NFL action. The Broncos will be cautious, but the plan seems clear: bring him along, monitor his workload, and unleash him once the season begins—if his body cooperates.
Around the league, reactions to the signing have been largely positive. Former teammates and analysts have praised Dobbins’ resilience and the upside of the move for Denver. Ravens fans, in particular, expressed bittersweet emotions. Dobbins was beloved in Baltimore for his intensity and work ethic, and many hoped he’d return to form in purple and black. But the NFL is a business, and with Baltimore leaning heavily on Keaton Mitchell and Derrick Henry now in the fold, the backfield had little room left.
Dobbins gets a fresh slate and a team that believes in his comeback story. And the Broncos get a player who, if even 85% of his former self, could be one of the biggest steals of the 2024 offseason. The partnership is a gamble on both sides—but one that could pay off handsomely.
As Denver prepares for training camp, all eyes will be on No. 27 (if he keeps his number). Fans will want to see if the cuts are still crisp, if the acceleration still pops, if the burst that electrified Ohio State and early Ravens film is still there. For now, there’s reason for optimism. If the Broncos get lucky—and Dobbins stays healthy—this deal might not just revive a career. It might reshape Denver’s season.
In a league where running back value is constantly debated, and careers can be cut short by wear and tear, J.K. Dobbins is writing his own story. The chapters so far have been filled with frustration and pain, but the pen is still in his hand. And with the Broncos, he might just be scripting a comeback tale the entire league will have to respect.
