J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos
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J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos reacts after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Denver Broncos got the upgrade that many outsiders projected them to seek out, making a league-altering trade for former Miami Dolphins star Jaylen Waddle. Running back J.K. Dobbins has joined the list of players to weigh in on the Broncos’ decision.
Dobbins’ future was the subject of heavy speculation this offseason as he entered free agency coming off a significant foot injury.
He returns and now has another dynamic weapon alongside him in the Broncos’ offense.
J.K. Dobbins Chimes In on Broncos’ Blockbuster
J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos leaves the field after their win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Broncos’ trade all but cements Dobbins’ role as the team’s lead back, with 2025 second-round pick RJ Harvey on track to reprise his complementary role, but the addition of Waddle will shake up the offense’s tendencies.
There will almost certainly be more on quarterback Bo Nix’s plate with the passing game, which could further sap touches from Dobbins.
Regardless, Dobbins is excited, sharing Denver’s highlight reel of Waddle to his Instagram story.
Waddle’s presence is expected to take pressure off his fellow pass-catchers, a skill of Dobbins’ that the Broncos utilized sparingly last season. But it should also keep opposing defenses to key in on their passing game rather than the run.
Dobbins finished the season with 772 yards and 4 touchdowns on 153 carries, ending his season in Week 10 due to his foot injury.
Harvey, who thrived as a pass-catcher, struggled on the ground in Dobbins’ stead.
The Broncos ranked 16th in rushing yards, but they were seventh in yards per game on the ground before Dobbins’ injury, per Team Rankings. By comparison, their passing game ranked 11th by season’s end, but was 17th before Dobbins went down.
Broncos Happy About Jaylen Waddle Trade
Jaylen Waddle, Denver Broncos
GettyJaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins looks on during warmups before a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Dobbins’ apparent enthusiasm has been par for the course for the Broncos, despite some outside cynicism. Waddle’s former Alabama Crimson Tide teammate and Broncos All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II spoke candidly about the blockbuster move.
The receiver said they had discussed playing together before.
The Broncos have been linked to Waddle in the past, too, fueling their hypotheticals. Surtain said Waddle’s addition “makes the team better as a whole.”
“I just think bringing a guy like that, he’s able to bring the showcase,” Surtain said on the “Games With Names” podcast in a clip shared on March 18. “It’s gonna be exciting to watch. Because his speed, his playmaking ability to gem well with our receiving corps.
“Practices are gonna be fun. It’s gonna make everybody better, for sure.”
Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton posted a message in excitement about the move, too, although it could significantly reduce his target share.
Dobbins’ injury history makes lightening his workload a sensible measure for him and the Broncos, but the general support Waddle has received following the trade–including from Nix–bodes well for a continued seamless transition.
Pat Surtain II Eyeing ‘Canon Event’ vs Jaylen Waddle
Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a win against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dobbins will have a front-row seat to what should be spirited on-field battles between Surtain and Waddle in training camp this offseason.
“That’s going to be the matchup,” Surtain said. “One-on-one. I’m looking forward to the battle. Going back to our collegiate days, it sort of takes me back in time to where it’s those hot days in Tuscaloosa. Those hot practices, and we’re going 1 on 1 against each other. It’s definitely gonna be one of those canon events that we experience.”
Waddle is surely as excited about those battles.
Waddle doubled down on his tongue-in-cheek comments about beating Surtain up during his introductory press conference, setting the stage for an exciting offseason program and camp.