With the legal tampering period for NFL free agency still six days away, the Denver Broncos find their offseason running back plans increasingly uncertain as top candidates disappear from the market. The Broncos must now consider whether to rely heavily on veteran J.K. Dobbins, who offers familiarity and cost-effectiveness, as alternatives become scarce.
Although certain players like Montgomery and Hall had established potential connections to Denver—Montgomery having worked with Broncos running backs coach Lou Ayeni at Iowa State, and Hall reportedly showing a strong interest in joining Denver—the likelihood of either signing with the Broncos appears limited. This dwindling pool raises a pivotal question for Denver’s front office: Is there a more cost-efficient running back option than simply retaining Dobbins?
Market Dynamics Influence Broncos’ Running Back Strategy
Broncos general manager George Paton emphasized the team’s preference to bring Dobbins back.
“We’d like to get J.K. back,”
Paton said during a recent interview on Denver’s KOA radio.
“We’ll see how that goes. Obviously, there’s others in free agency, the draft, we’re still working through.”
The running back market has tightened rapidly, particularly after the Jets placed the franchise tag on Hall, and the Seattle Seahawks indicated they likely will not tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker. Walker, who rushed for 313 yards during three playoff games, boasts a running style and physical build that align well with Denver’s offensive schemes. Still, his market value is expected to hover just below the franchise tag benchmark of $14 million.
Other intriguing free-agent options include former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr., who gained 1,399 yards from scrimmage and scored 13 touchdowns this past season, as well as former Panthers back Rico Dowdle, known for amassing over 1,000 rushing yards at 4.6 yards per carry. Yet acquiring these players comes with a considerable financial cost, which may exceed Denver’s budgetary constraints.
Financial Constraints Shape Broncos’ Approach to Running Backs
The Broncos currently have approximately $28 million in cap space, which will be reduced by draft signings and re-signing current free agents. Given that the 2026 franchise tag is valued at $14 million, experts speculate Walker’s market value will be between $12 million and $14 million, potentially inflating salaries around the position.
Since Paton assumed his role, the Broncos have not committed more than $4 million annually to a running back in open-market deals. This fiscal discipline suggests Denver might prioritize fiscal balance and turn back to Dobbins, whose contract last season was a modest one-year deal worth $2.7 million.
J.K. Dobbins’ Role and Value to the Broncos
Dobbins’ value to Denver extends beyond his on-field production. Despite a Lisfranc foot injury that ended his 2025 season, he was tied for fifth league-wide in rushing yards heading into that injury. At 27 years old, Dobbins presents both a high reward potential when healthy and a risk due to his limited availability thus far.
He has also emerged as a respected figure in the locker room, acting as a mentor to rookie running back RJ Harvey, who showed flashes of promise by scoring 12 touchdowns but struggled with consistency, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.
Dobbins expressed strong affinity for the Broncos’ culture and coaching staff, especially head coach Sean Payton and running backs coach Lou Ayeni.
“My man, coach Sean Payton, I love him to death, he’s one of my favorite coaches ever,”
Dobbins said at an end-of-season press conference.
“Coach Lou Ayeni, too. It’s been a great process with everyone here. The O-line, everybody … it’s been a great time here in my short time here.
“I think I will be here. Hopefully I will. I’m a Bronco for life.”
Development of RJ Harvey Could Influence Broncos’ Staffing Decisions
At the NFL Combine, Coach Payton expressed confidence in Harvey’s ability to become a three-down back next season.
“I thought he had a really good year for a rookie, and everything that was thrown to him.”
– Sean Payton, Broncos head coach
If Harvey continues his progression in the 2026 season, Denver might choose to forgo major free-agent acquisitions at running back. This strategy would involve re-signing Dobbins for a reasonable rate and supplementing the depth chart with later-round draft picks to bolster the position.
Complementary Running Back and Pass Protection Considerations
The Broncos intend to maintain depth at the running back position, especially to support quarterback Bo Nix in pass protection. They are expected to retain reserve running back Tyler Badie through an exclusive-rights free agent deal and have been exploring additional draft talent to strengthen the roster.
Broncos’ interest in Washington running back Jonah Coleman, who compared Denver’s offense to his own team’s setup, reflects their focus on versatile players who can contribute to the running and passing game.
“We really just talked about pass protection,”
Coleman told The Post at the combine.
“We talked about the run game, but it was more so my plays, because we run similar offenses.”
Run Game Emphasis Shapes Offseason Priorities
Following the Broncos’ AFC Championship loss, Coach Payton highlighted improving the run game as a key offseason priority. Although multiple paths remain open, it seems plausible that Denver will rely on a Dobbins-Harvey duo once again in 2026 as part of their backfield rotation.
