A former Ohio State star is staying put, agreeing to a new deal early in the NFL free agency. The Denver Broncos have made a move to solidify their offensive backfield, reportedly re-signing veteran running back J.K. Dobbins to a contract.
The move, reported on Monday afternoon, guarantees that one of the NFL's most efficient ball carriers will stay in the Mile High City. For the 27-year-old former Buckeye standout, this new contract is a testament to his resilience and the immediate impact he made in Denver before a foot injury ended his 2025 campaign early.
Before facing NFL defenses and fighting injuries, Dobbins was a star with the Scarlet and Gray.
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Bursting onto the scene as a true freshman in 2017, Dobbins rushed for 1,407 yards, instantly earning a place in Ohio State history. Dobbins was at his peak during his junior season in 2019, delivering a historic campaign as the first running back in Buckeye history to exceed 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. That year, he finished with 2,003 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big Ten and first-team All-American honors, along with receiving the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award. He wrapped up his college career as the second-leading rusher in Ohio State history, behind only the legendary Archie Griffin.
Dobbins' impressive college performances made him a top prospect, leading the Baltimore Ravens to pick him in the second round (No. 55 overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. Dobbins had a standout rookie season, leading all NFL running backs with 6.0 yards per carry, rushing for 805 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. However, his professional career quickly became a test of resilience. A severe torn ACL caused him to miss all of the 2021 season, and later knee and Achilles injuries affected his 2022 and 2023 seasons with Baltimore.
Looking for a fresh start, Dobbins signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Dobbins silenced many of his doubters by rushing for 905 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. He then arrived in Denver in 2025 on a one-year "prove it" deal.
With the Broncos, Dobbins quickly became the starter but suffered another injury. Before sustaining a season-ending Lisfranc foot injury in a Week 10 win over the Raiders, Dobbins was having a strong year. In just 10 games, he carried the ball 153 times for a team-high 772 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.
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By signing him to a new deal, the Broncos are betting that Dobbins can stay healthy and anchor their backfield moving forward. Despite his tough injury history, there’s no denying Dobbins' elite talent when he’s on the field. As he begins his seventh NFL season, Dobbins will aim to pick up right where he left off, providing Denver with the dynamic, bruising running game they need to compete in the AFC West.