The Denver Broncos could be on the verge of reshaping their backfield heading into 2026, and all signs point to a potential splash in free agency.
J.K. Dobbins, who showed flashes of his old self in 2025, is set to hit the market.
While his talent has never been in question, his availability has. Injuries have been a recurring theme throughout his career, and that continued last season.
So, while Dobbins gave Denver solid production when healthy, the team may decide it's time to pivot.
If the Broncos do move on, they’re expected to stay in the veteran market - not rebuild from scratch. That’s where Kenneth Walker enters the conversation.
Walker, a pending free agent coming off his most complete NFL season, is drawing plenty of attention - and for good reason. He played in all 17 games for the first time in his career and reminded everyone why he was such a highly-touted prospect back in 2022. His ability to create big plays, both on the ground and through the air, makes him one of the more dynamic backs available this offseason.
Since entering the league, Walker has earned a 93.9 rushing grade from Pro Football Focus - second only to Derrick Henry over that span. That stat doesn’t just reflect volume; it highlights his elite ability to make defenders miss.
In fact, he’s forced 243 missed tackles in four seasons, the third most in the NFL during that time. That kind of production doesn’t just happen - it’s a combination of vision, power, and burst that few backs can match.
What makes Walker especially intriguing for Denver is his scheme versatility. Whether it’s gap or zone concepts, he’s thrived in both.
That’s a huge plus in Sean Payton’s offense, which often blends multiple run looks to keep defenses guessing. Walker has posted a 90.0-plus PFF rushing grade in both schemes, showing he can adapt to whatever is asked of him - and still produce at a high level.
At 25 years old, Walker is still firmly in his prime, and his recent durability is encouraging. Of course, his injury history is something to monitor - he’s had his share of bumps and bruises - but Denver wouldn’t be asking him to be a bell cow.
With RJ Harvey in the mix, the Broncos could rotate their backs and keep both fresh throughout the season. That kind of 1-2 punch could be exactly what Payton is looking for: explosive, efficient, and sustainable over a full 17-game grind.
Financially, the Broncos are in a good spot. They’re projected to have around $28 million in cap space, and with no glaring holes on the roster, they have the flexibility to make a meaningful investment in the backfield. Spotrac projects Walker to land a deal in the $33 million range - a significant commitment, sure, but one that could pay off in a big way if he continues his upward trajectory.
Bottom line: if Denver wants to upgrade its ground game and add some juice to the offense, Walker checks a lot of boxes. He’s a proven playmaker, fits the scheme, and wouldn’t have to carry the entire load. If the Broncos are serious about taking the next step offensively, pairing Walker with Harvey could be a move that sets the tone for 2026.