While there are some positions worth investing in this offseason for the Denver Broncos, like tight end, linebacker, safety, and even offensive line, their running back room cannot be ignored.
J.K. Dobbins is a free agent, and while they could bring him back, the Broncos could elect to change things up at running back for 2026. If they do, there's a very fun running back they could target.
According to Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, the Broncos are tabbed as a possible landing spot for Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle. The projected $14 million running back would be a very fun pickup.
Broncos named landing spot for Rico Dowdle
"Rico Dowdle, RB, Panthers. Projected contract: Two years, $14 million," Verderame writes. "Potential landing spots: Broncos, Giants."
Dowdle is an interesting free agent option for the Broncos this offseason. He's a 5-foot-11, 215-pound running back who is coming off another strong year.
The 27-year-old ran for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on 236 attempts. He also added 39 receptions for 297 yards and one touchdown.
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Dowdle would be a great option to add to the Broncos' offense. Bo Nix needs some more help on offense, and adding someone like Dowdle would give the run game the boost it needs.
After impressing in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys, he followed it up with a great 2025 season despite being in a split backfield.
Pairing Harvey and Dowdle would make for a great running back room. And for a team that needs better production from the run game, Dowdle would be a reasonably priced ($7 million per-year projection) running back to target this offseason.
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