The Denver Broncos are making strategic moves to solidify their roster, looking to enhance their chances of contention in the competitive AFC. Coming off a promising rookie season, quarterback Bo Nix stands at the forefront of the franchise’s ambitions. To bolster the offense and add depth to the backfield, the Broncos recently inked a one-year deal with former Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins, valued at $5.25 million.
Dobbins, who shined last season with over 900 rushing yards and a total of 1,058 yards from scrimmage alongside nine touchdowns for the Chargers, expressed his excitement to join the Broncos during a media meeting. He emphasized what drew him to the organization, highlighting both the talent on the roster and the supportive coaching staff.
“I felt like it was the best fit for me,” Dobbins shared. “The defense is really good, super good. The quarterback’s amazing. I like the RB room. O-Line is amazing as well, so it was a no brainer. And coach Sean Payton and all the other coaches on staff too, so I know I’ll get coached well here. And I also heard that it’s a good fan base. So that’s why I’m here.”
It’s hard to argue with Dobbins’ assessment. He recognizes the potential of the unit around him, particularly the standout defense and the promising upside of Nix. While Nix may not have garnered the same spotlight as his quarterback counterpart Jayden Daniels from the 2024 draft class, his performance was commendable, throwing for an impressive 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He not only led the Broncos to a playoff berth but also showcased the type of development that suggests he’s just scratching the surface of his potential.
On the defensive side, the Broncos boasted one of the league’s top units last season, ranking second in yards allowed per play and third in total points allowed. This is exactly the kind of support that Dobbins needs to thrive; a stellar defense can provide a cushion for the offense, allowing for a run-heavy approach when the game situation allows for it.
Importantly, Dobbins will step into a backfield that recently lost leading rusher Javonte Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. This shift opens the door for Dobbins, who brings a wealth of experience to a group that includes second-year back Audric Estime and rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey. There’s no doubt that Dobbins is poised to take on a significant role, potentially becoming the focal point of the rushing attack as he adapts to his new surroundings.
With a combination of Nix’s promising talent, a formidable defense, and Dobbins’ pedigree, the Broncos are making a concerted effort to reshape their narrative in the AFC landscape. If everything falls into place, they could soon become a team that rivals any in their conference.