The Denver Broncos are bringing back running back J.K. Dobbins on a two-year, $20 million deal that includes $8 million fully guaranteed at signing, NFL Network reported Monday, citing a source.
Dobbins appeared to confirm his return in a social media post.
🧡 #Home pic.twitter.com/OtJVOG7wRE
— Jk dobbins (@Jkdobbins22) March 9, 2026
Dobbins’ value and the quandary of his free agency were on display for the Broncos during the 2025 season. After signing during minicamp last June — Dobbins, 27, led the Broncos in carries (153), rushing yards (772) and runs of at least 10 yards (21).
But he also didn’t play after Nov. 6 because of a foot injury he suffered in a Thursday night win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Last season, Dobbins failed to play more than 10 games for the fourth time in his six-year NFL career; he missed the 2021 season because of a torn ACL and played just one game in 2023 after tearing his Achilles.
Dobbins, who had returned to practice during the Broncos’ playoff run, said he was “very, very close” to playing in the AFC Championship Game and “100% would have played” in the Super Bowl if the Broncos had advanced.
Broncos coach Sean Payton said Dobbins’ injury was a significant reason Denver struggled at times down the stretch to find some consistency in the run game. Dobbins’ impact was on display in the games he played. His explosive run total was seven more than the Broncos’ next back — rookie RJ Harvey finished the season with 14 runs of at least 10 yards.
Dobbins’ 772 rushing yards in 2025 and 905 yards rushing for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 were the most in back-to-back seasons in his career, as were the 13 combined rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold contributed to this report.
