The Denver Broncos are heading into the offseason with a clear need in the backfield-and a few big decisions to make. J.K.
Dobbins, who showed flashes of his old self before a foot injury cut his season short in Week 10, is set to hit free agency. The Broncos could look to bring him back, but given his injury history, they’ll also be scouring the market for other options.
Don’t be surprised if they try to hedge their bets by doing both-re-signing Dobbins on a team-friendly deal while adding another proven back to the mix.
One name that had been circled in Denver as a dream fit? Kenneth Walker III. But after what he did on the biggest stage in football, that dream likely just turned into a long shot.
Walker was the engine behind the Seahawks’ 29-13 Super Bowl win over the Patriots, rumbling for 135 yards on 27 carries and walking away with Super Bowl MVP honors. That makes him the first running back to win the award in nearly three decades-since Terrell Davis torched the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. That’s elite company, and it’s the kind of performance that gets you paid.
Seattle, sitting pretty with roughly $73 million in cap space (sixth-most in the NFL), has every reason to keep Walker right where he is. He’s not just a centerpiece of their offense-he’s now a championship-caliber closer. With the team eyeing a shot at going back-to-back, it’s hard to imagine them letting their MVP walk out the door.
For the Broncos, that likely means crossing Walker off their wish list. It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans who saw him as an ideal fit in Denver’s offense-a tough, explosive runner who could thrive in a balanced attack.
But it also brings clarity. With Walker likely staying put, the Broncos can turn their attention elsewhere.
One name that could rise to the top of their board? Breece Hall, who brings a similar mix of power and burst.
The reality in Denver is that the running back room needs a dependable lead option. Dobbins, when healthy, looked the part.
But staying healthy has been the issue, and it’s hard to build an offense around a player who can’t stay on the field. Rookie RJ Harvey brought some juice late in the year, showing promise as a change-of-pace back.
He’s got quickness, vision, and the ability to keep defenses honest-but he’s not built to carry the full load week in and week out.
That’s why finding a true tone-setter at running back is one of the Broncos’ top priorities this offseason. Someone who can take the pressure off the passing game, grind out tough yards, and let Harvey do what he does best in complementary situations.
Kenneth Walker III would’ve been a home run. But with the Seahawks likely locking him up after a historic Super Bowl performance, Denver will have to look elsewhere to find their next offensive cornerstone in the backfield.