Aside from losing starting quarterback Bo Nix in their win over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, which led to a loss in the AFC Championship Game, the next-most disappointing aspect of the Broncos' season may have been the foot injury suffered by running back J.K. Dobbins in Week 10, one that ended up costing him the rest of the season.
It was disappointing in the fact that Dobbins was fifth in the NFL with 772 yards rushing at the time of the injury. It was even more disappointing when you consider that if the Broncos had beaten the New England Patriots to advance to the Super Bowl, Dobbins likely would have played in that game.
Now, Dobbins may not play for the team again as he gets set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
The Broncos have a hole at running back, so re-signing Dobbins is a valid option. However, it's the same option the Los Angeles Chargers faced this past offseason and they made a decision that the Broncos should repeat.
Broncos should look for a top-tier running back in free agency
Dobbins performed quite well in his lone season with the Chargers, compiling 905 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns. But he missed four weeks during the stretch run and the Chargers' rushing attack took a drastic hit.
This past offseason, the Chargers chose to offer big money to free-agent running back Najee Harris. They also used their first-round pick to draft Omarion Hampton. Dobbins was not an option for them.
J.K. Dobbins does want to re-sign with the Broncos.
“I’m a Bronco and a Buckeye” pic.twitter.com/eY5S2De3rn
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) January 26, 2026
The Broncos will be faced with a similar decision, but because of the need to keep RJ Harvey on the field as much as possible in year two, the Broncos need a steadier player to lead the rushing attack.
If Dobbins were able to stay healthy, he would be one of the better running backs in the league. However, history has shown that he can't, as he has never played every game of a season in his career.
The Broncos will need to take the Chargers' approach and offer a healthy contract to an available free agent such as Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdle or Tyler Allgeier. Each of these players has shown themselves to be more available and could revitalize the Broncos' rushing attack, something that could put them over the top next season.
MORE: Broncos likely already out on top free-agent running back
It's a shame that Dobbins has suffered so many injuries throughout his career, but the fact that he has may leave the Broncos no choice.
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