Broncos GM Reveals Team’s Stance on J.K. Dobbins’ Future

The Denver Broncos have a major decision looming at running back, and George Paton just made his feelings on J.K. Dobbins clear.

Simply put, he wants Dobbins back.

Speaking with 9NEWS’ Mike Klis at the NFL Scouting Combine, Paton didn’t hesitate when asked about the veteran running back’s pending free agency.

“We would. J.K. was really good for us,” Paton said. “Played 10 games and he was the third or fifth leading rusher. Happy with J.K. He’s a free agent, we’d like to have him back.”

With R.J. Harvey currently the only running back under contract for 2026, Denver has real decisions to make. But based on Paton’s tone, bringing Dobbins back is firmly on the table.

Broncos Taking ‘Measured and Selective’ Approach

While George Paton made it clear he wants J.K. Dobbins back, he also emphasized that Denver won’t let urgency override discipline.

Fresh off an AFC Championship Game appearance, the Broncos are balancing aggression with restraint this offseason.

“You have to be measured and selective and make the right decisions,” Paton said. “You can’t just go crazy just because you came three points from the Super Bowl. We’ll be aggressive in that approach but really measured and try to make sound decisions.”

Paton’s philosophy matters when evaluating Dobbins.

Denver wants him back, but the price and structure have to make sense. The Broncos are not expected to overextend financially, especially with a player as injury-prone as Dobbins.

Running Back Listed as One of Broncos ‘Musts’

Head coach Sean Payton reinforced that running back is officially one of the team’s offseason “musts.”

“Running back would have to be one,” Payton said when outlining key roster needs.

With Dobbins, Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad all set to hit free agency, Denver must address multiple starting spots.

Paton also praised rookie RJ Harvey’s development in 2025, noting how the game “slowed down” for him as the season progressed.

“I couldn’t be more happy about RJ,” Paton said.

Still, even with Harvey’s emergence, the Broncos know they need more at the position, especially after Dobbins’ injury forced them to adjust midseason.

Dobbins Fits, But Broncos Have Options

Paton reminded reporters that free agency is just one piece of the offseason puzzle.

“You have to get those [musts] filled with good players,” Paton said. “It doesn’t always mean through free agency or always mean through the draft. We got J.K. Dobbins in May or June. You are always looking.”

Denver is open to bringing Dobbins back, but they are also prepared to pivot if the market moves in a different direction.

With extensions already completed for cornerstone players like Pat Surtain II and Quinn Meinerz, the Broncos have created flexibility.

That allows them to pursue potential high-end free-agent running backs like Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, Tyler Allgeier and others.

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