Veteran running back JK Dobbins signed a one-year deal with the Broncos this offseason and was a big part of their offense this season until he suffered a Lisfranc injury in the middle of the year. This injury would sideline Dobbins for the rest of the season, and despite some optimism for a return, he would be sidelined throughout the AFC Championship Game as well.
Despite a disappointing end to his year, Dobbins enjoyed his one season with the Broncos and told reporters on Monday that he thinks he is a “Bronco for life” and wants to re-sign with the team this offseason.
Dobbins was asked why he wanted to re-sign with the Broncos, and he replied by hyping up the ownership, the coaches, the players, the culture, and everything about the team.
“It starts with the ownership. They get us everything that we need to be successful here. It starts with like the hyperbaric chamber. I was able to get back on the practice field 2.5 months. Right? I think he said 2.5 months, and it’s because they gave me everything I needed. There were things I would ask Mr. Penner, and he would get it to us. He would get it to me. Then my man Coach Sean Payton, I love him to death. He’s one of my favorite coaches ever. Then Coach Lou Ayeni, too. It has been a great process with everyone here. Then the offensive line, and just like everybody, the brothers, and like the defense. I even felt like I was part of the defense because they wanted me here. Coach ‘V.J.’ wanted me here. So it’s just been a great time here in my short time. I think that I’ll be here. Hopefully, I will. I think I’m a Bronco for life. So yes.”
This is the sort of thing you want to hear from players who spend time with the Broncos. Dobbins speaking glowingly about the ownership, the coaches, players, and culture not only helps the Broncos re-sign and keep their players, but also attracts other free agents who want to be part of this team. Dobbins was only with the Broncos for a short time, but his experience was so good that he believes that he is a “Bronco for life”.
When healthy this year, Dobbins was one of the better backs in the NFL. Before his unfortunate injury, he was among the league leaders in rushing yards and was a key part of the Broncos’ offense. Dobbins played in 10 games this season and totaled 772 yards rushing on 153 carries, averaged 5.0 yards per carry, and had 4 rushing touchdowns. He was on pace to eclipse 1,000 yards easily and would have been a key piece in the Broncos’ postseason run.
Unfortunately, injuries have been a consistent theme throughout Dobbins’ career. He tore his ACL in 2021, suffered an Achilles injury in 2023, has had multiple other knee and ankle injuries, and suffered a Lisfranc injury this past season. He played 15 games in 2020, missed the entire 2021 season, 8 games in 2022, 1 game in 2023, 13 games in 2024, and 10 games this past season with the Broncos. While he has been great when healthy, his track record, unfortunately, speaks for itself.
This is the tough decision the Broncos will have to make this offseason. Dobbins wants to come back; he played well for you and is well-liked in the locker room. However, do you re-sign him and pass up on younger and less injury-prone options like Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, and others? If they do re-sign him, they need better depth in that running back room so they can survive if/when he suffers another injury.
Personally, I am on the fence here. I want the Broncos to make a big splash at the position this offseason; however, moving on from Dobbins would be tough, considering how much he wants to re-sign with the team. Either way, the Broncos need to improve their run game and build around quarterback Bo Nix.
