The Denver Broncos head into this offseason with a clear directive: get more firepower on offense. After showing flashes of progress in 2025, especially early in the year, the unit still fell short when it mattered most. If this team wants to capitalize on what looks like a wide-open AFC in 2026, they’ll need to level up-particularly at running back and wide receiver.
Here’s the challenge: the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t exactly brimming with elite offensive playmakers. That means GM George Paton and head coach Sean Payton will have to look elsewhere-namely, free agency or the trade market-to find the kind of game-changers who can elevate this offense.
Let’s start with the backfield.
The J.K. Dobbins Dilemma
Denver’s first decision at running back starts in-house: what to do with J.K. Dobbins.
When healthy, Dobbins was a real difference-maker for the Broncos last season. Through 10 weeks, he had racked up 772 rushing yards-good for fifth in the league at the time-while averaging a strong 5.0 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns. His vision, burst, and ability to turn small creases into chunk gains gave the Broncos a reliable ground game that complemented their young quarterback, Bo Nix.
But then came the foot injury against the Raiders in Week 10, and everything changed. The run game sputtered without him, and Denver’s offense lost its balance down the stretch.
The postseason only magnified the absence. Dobbins wants to stay-he’s made that clear-but the question is whether the Broncos can trust him to stay on the field.
This isn’t a one-off injury. Dobbins has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and has yet to complete a full regular season. That’s the kind of track record that gives front offices pause, especially when durability is key at a position where wear and tear is inevitable.
The Los Angeles Chargers faced a similar situation not long ago. They let Dobbins walk, signed Najee Harris in free agency, and drafted Omarion Hampton in the first round. Denver could follow a similar path-or they could bring Dobbins back on a team-friendly deal and pair him with another back to share the load.
If they look outside, the free-agent market is surprisingly rich with talent.
Top Free-Agent Running Backs the Broncos Should Consider
Let’s take a look at four potential targets who could step in and immediately boost Denver’s offense:
Breece Hall - New York Jets
Projected Contract: $10.4 million annually
If Denver wants to swing big, Breece Hall should be at the top of the list. Still just 24 years old, Hall is a true three-down back with elite pass-catching ability.
He’s the kind of weapon who can stay on the field in all situations and give Bo Nix a reliable outlet in the passing game. His versatility would open up Sean Payton’s playbook and allow for more dynamic looks out of the backfield.
Hall won’t come cheap-and he’ll have plenty of suitors-but if the Broncos want to make a statement, this is the kind of move that does it.
Kenneth Walker III - Seattle Seahawks
Projected Contract: $8.3 million annually
Walker is set to take the national stage in the Super Bowl, and fans who haven’t seen much of him are in for a treat. He’s a physical, downhill runner with sneaky speed and a nose for the big play. Injuries have slowed him at times, but when he’s right, he’s a tone-setter.
Adding Walker would give Denver a more punishing ground game, something they lacked once Dobbins went down. He’s not as dynamic in the passing game as Hall, but his ability to wear down defenses and keep the chains moving is undeniable.
Rico Dowdle - Carolina Panthers
Projected Contract: $6.5 million annually
Dowdle was on Denver’s radar last offseason before he signed a one-year deal with the Panthers. Now, after a breakout season in which he rushed for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns while splitting time with Chuba Hubbard, he’s back on the market.
At 28, Dowdle isn’t a long-term solution, but he’s proven he can produce in a shared backfield. If Carolina lets him walk, he could be a cost-effective option to pair with Dobbins or another young back.
Travis Etienne - Jacksonville Jaguars
Projected Contract: $6.8 million annually
Etienne is coming off the best season of his career-and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He’s hit the 1,000-yard mark in three of his four seasons and added a career-high 13 touchdowns in 2025, including six as a receiver. That’s a huge leap in the passing game for a player who had just one receiving touchdown prior to this year.
He’s explosive, shifty, and still improving. And based on projected value, he might be the best bang-for-your-buck option on the board. Jacksonville would love to keep him, but if the price isn’t right, Etienne could be a steal for a team like Denver.
Bottom Line
The Broncos can’t afford to be passive this offseason-not with a young quarterback developing, a defense that’s still competitive, and a division that’s more open than it’s been in years. The running back position is a key piece of the puzzle, and whether Denver re-signs J.K. Dobbins or goes shopping in free agency, they need a player who can help carry the load and take pressure off Bo Nix.
There’s talent out there. Now it’s up to the Broncos to make the right call.