JK Dobbins Wants to Stay in Denver - But Will the Broncos Roll the Dice Again?
JK Dobbins’ time in Denver may have been short, but it left a lasting impression - on both the field and in the locker room. After signing a one-year deal with the Broncos this past offseason, the veteran running back quickly carved out a major role in Sean Payton’s offense. That is, until a midseason Lisfranc injury cut his campaign short and sidelined him through the AFC Championship Game.
Still, despite the setback, Dobbins made it clear on Monday: he doesn’t want his time in the Mile High City to be a one-and-done. In fact, he said he sees himself as a “Bronco for life” and hopes to re-sign with the team this offseason.
So what’s driving that loyalty?
“It starts with the ownership,” Dobbins told reporters. “They get us everything we need to be successful here.”
He pointed to the team’s investment in recovery resources - like a hyperbaric chamber - that helped him get back on the practice field just two and a half months after his injury. “There were things I would ask Mr.
Penner, and he would get it to us. He would get it to me.”
Then there’s the coaching staff. Dobbins was effusive in his praise for Sean Payton - calling him one of his favorite coaches ever - and running backs coach Lou Ayeni. He spoke about the camaraderie in the locker room, the offensive line, and even the defense, saying he felt welcomed by everyone, including defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
“It’s just been a great time here in my short time,” Dobbins said. “Hopefully, I will [be back]. I think I’m a Bronco for life.”
That kind of buy-in from a player - especially a veteran - says a lot about the culture Denver is building. It also sends a message to potential free agents: this is a place where players feel valued, respected, and supported. And when a guy like Dobbins, who’s been through multiple teams and injuries, says he wants to stay, people around the league take notice.
On the field, Dobbins was producing at a high level before the injury. In 10 games, he racked up 772 rushing yards on 153 carries - good for 5.0 yards per tote - and found the end zone four times.
He was on pace to blow past the 1,000-yard mark and was a central figure in the Broncos’ offensive identity. His burst, vision, and ability to create yards after contact gave Denver a reliable ground threat that helped balance the offense and take pressure off rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
But here’s the tough part - and it’s the reality the Broncos front office has to face this offseason: Dobbins’ injury history is extensive. He tore his ACL in 2021.
In 2023, it was the Achilles. This past season, the Lisfranc.
Add in other knee and ankle issues, and you’re looking at a player who has shown elite flashes but struggled to stay on the field consistently.
His availability over the last several years paints a clear picture: 15 games in 2020, zero in 2021, eight in 2022, one in 2023, 13 in 2024, and 10 this past season. When he’s healthy, he’s a difference-maker. But the “when” has been the problem.
So the Broncos are at a crossroads. Dobbins wants to return.
He’s beloved in the locker room. He fits the culture.
And he produced when healthy. But can Denver afford to rely on him as their primary back again?
Or do they look to younger, more durable options in free agency or the draft?
If the Broncos do bring Dobbins back, they’ll need to shore up the depth behind him - not just with a serviceable backup, but with someone who can carry the load if injuries strike again. That running back room needs insulation, especially if Denver wants to make a deeper playoff push in 2026.
One thing is clear: the Broncos need to solidify their run game. Whether that means doubling down on Dobbins or turning the page, the decision this front office makes in the coming weeks will say a lot about how they plan to support Bo Nix and build a sustainable offense moving forward.
For now, Dobbins is waiting - hopeful, loyal, and ready to run it back in orange and blue. The question is whether the Broncos are ready to take that risk again.