The veteran running back is headed to Denver to have dinner with the coaches and visit the facility on Thursday.
According to NFL Network’s insider Tom Pelissero, former Ravens and Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is flying into Denver tonight to have dinner with Broncos coaches and visit the facility on Thursday. 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis has confirmed the report.
Former #Chargers starting RB J.K. Dobbins is headed to Denver tonight to have dinner with coaches and visit the #Broncos facility Thursday, per source.
The dynamic Dobbins, who had 1,084 yards from scrimmage and 9 TDs in 2024, now could land with an AFC West contender. pic.twitter.com/jy8S2GVnhg
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 4, 2025
Dobbins is coming off a productive season for the rival Chargers, where he rushed for 905 yards, averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and had 9 rushing touchdowns. He did miss four games due to a sprained MCL, so he was well on his way to top 1,000 yards rushing and hit double digits in rushing touchdowns. Now, he could be taking his talents to the Mile High City and pair with explosive rookie RJ Harvey in the Broncos’ backfield.
Signing J.K. Dobbins always made sense for the Broncos, from the moment free agency opened. They had a major need at running back, and Dobbins would solve that and then some. If signed, he would stabilize that room, give them a proven veteran who can contribute at a high level, and someone who could play on third downs for them. This would also allow rookie R.J. Harvey to shift into more of that ‘Joker’/Alvin Kamara role while Dobbins can fill the Mark Ingram role. The Broncos made it a priority to improve their running game this offseason, and adding Dobbins and Harvey would do just that.
If all goes well and Dobbins does sign with the Broncos, this would be a blow to Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin. They would be pushed down on the depth chart and likely be on the roster bubble moving forward. Could both backs still make the team? Sure, but special teams, pass blocking, and how Payton wants to build the roster all will factor into who stays and who goes.
If a veteran player is visiting a team this time of the year, it likely means they are signing them, so I feel like this will likely happen. It makes sense for both parties, and we have already watched Payton and company close the deal with Evan Engram this offseason after he dined with coaches and visited the facility. I think we’ll see Dobbins join him in Denver and the Broncos’ offense this upcoming season.
If/when this gets done, it will be a significant upgrade to the Broncos offense and hopefully one that allows Bo Nix and the rest of the offense to take that next step this upcoming season.