The Denver Broncos head into the 2026 offseason with a relatively stable roster, but there’s one area that still needs shoring up: the backfield. With J.K.
Dobbins set to hit free agency after an encouraging-though injury-shortened-season, Denver has a decision to make. Do they roll the dice on Dobbins’ health again, or do they look elsewhere for a more dependable option?
If they go the latter route, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle might be a name to watch.
Dowdle is coming off his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, a stretch that’s quietly cemented him as one of the more productive and underrated backs in the league. After making his mark with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, he followed that up with another strong campaign in Carolina-eventually overtaking Chuba Hubbard for the starting role despite the Panthers having extended Hubbard the year prior. That speaks volumes about Dowdle’s impact and consistency.
Now, Spotrac projects Dowdle to command a two-year, $13 million deal in free agency. That’s a reasonable price for a back who brings both physicality and versatility.
Over the last two seasons, he’s forced 79 missed tackles and averaged 3.21 yards after contact per attempt-numbers that show he’s more than capable of creating yards on his own. He’s not just a plug-and-play guy; he’s a tone-setter.
For Denver, the appeal is obvious. RJ Harvey, last year’s rookie, showed flashes but didn’t quite seize the role of long-term RB1.
He’s got upside, especially as a third-down option or in space, but he’s not built to carry the load week in and week out. Pairing him with someone like Dowdle could give the Broncos a balanced, dynamic backfield-one that echoes the Mark Ingram-Alvin Kamara tandem that Sean Payton once leaned on so effectively in New Orleans.
That’s the kind of duo that could thrive behind Denver’s offensive line, which quietly played at a high level last season. While the Broncos struggled to consistently move the ball on the ground, it wasn’t due to the guys up front. They need a back who can hit the hole, break tackles, and wear down defenses-Dowdle fits that mold.
And if Harvey doesn’t take a step forward in year two? Dowdle has already shown he can handle the lion’s share of carries. He’s not just a complementary piece-he’s capable of being the lead back if called upon.
The Broncos have to weigh Dobbins’ upside against his injury history, and that’s never an easy call. But if they decide to move on, Dowdle offers a compelling alternative: a tough, productive runner with a proven track record and the kind of skill set that fits perfectly in Payton’s offense.
A Dowdle-Harvey pairing wouldn’t just fill a need-it could become a strength.