The Denver Broncos seemingly rolled out the red carpet for JK Dobbins, the free agent running back who had the Mile High City buzzing. After what appeared to be a series of promising meetings and activities, Dobbins left Denver without a contract in hand, leaving many fans scratching their heads and asking, “What happened?”
The Broncos clearly laid out a welcome mat for Dobbins, much like they did with tight end Evan Engram earlier this year. Dobbins enjoyed dinner with the team and spent additional time at the Broncos facility the following day. Head coach Sean Payton, known for his strategic mind and player assessments, expressed his excitement about the potential addition of Dobbins.
“He’s just another good football player that we’ve seen firsthand,” Payton remarked, underscoring the value Dobbins could bring to the Broncos’ backfield. Payton acknowledged the importance of bolstering the running back position, a sentiment other Broncos supporters share, especially given recent roster moves.
Dobbins’ NFL stats make a compelling case. He ranked seventh in yards after contact per carry and fourth in total broken tackles last season, all while playing only 13 games. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Dobbins amassed over 1,000 yards from scrimmage last year and came second in the voting for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
At just 26, Dobbins represents a potential upgrade for the Broncos at a position they’ve struggled with. His recent performances outshine those of Javonte Williams, who was let go in free agency. Yet, the Broncos haven’t sealed the deal, leaving fans to speculate.
Why would this promising opportunity be left unexplored? Timing could be one reason, or perhaps other factors behind closed doors influenced the decision. Regardless, for both parties to invest considerable time and effort into a multi-day visit only for Dobbins to leave without a contract raises questions about what happened during their discussions.
Adding to the mystery, Dobbins posted updates from his flight to Denver, even sharing a highlight from last season, fueling speculation about his next move. It seemed as if he was preparing for a future with the Broncos.
The uncertainty leaves fans and analysts alike pondering what might have stalled negotiations between Dobbins and the Broncos. As the weeks unfold, all eyes will be on Denver to see if they’ll take another shot at securing the services of a capable running back like Dobbins.
