The Denver Broncos have several key free agents to sort through this offseason, but few decisions feel more layered than what to do with running back J.K. Dobbins.
If you ask Dobbins, though, the outcome already feels clear.
According to Sports Illustrated, Dobbins made it known he believes he will be back in 2026.
âSo itâs just been a great time here in my short time. I think that Iâll be here,â Dobbins said.
âHopefully, I will. I think Iâm a Bronco for life.â
That confidence was not rooted in contract talk.
It was rooted in his past experience.
Dobbins repeatedly pointed to the organization, the coaching staff and the locker room as reasons he wants to stay in Denver long term.
After signing late in the offseason last summer, he quickly became the teamâs RB1 and a captain-level presence before a Lisfranc injury in Week 10 cut his year short.
Before getting hurt, Dobbins had rushed for 772 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.
At the time of the injury, he ranked among the top five rushers in football and helped power a Broncos ground attack that ranked inside the top ten.
Broncos Ownership Played Major Role in Dobbinsâ Desire to Stay
Dobbins made it clear that his belief in a return starts at the top.
âIt starts with the ownership. They get us everything that we need to be successful here,â he said.
âThere were things I would ask Mr. Penner, and he would get it to us. He would get it to me.â
Dobbins credited the teamâs resources for helping him return to practice just 2.5 months after suffering what was initially considered a season-ending foot injury.
He was back practicing ahead of the AFC Championship Game and would have had a legitimate shot to play had Denver advanced to the Super Bowl.
For a player who has battled injuries throughout his career, that level of organizational support is very important.
Dobbins Bond With Broncos Coaches and Teammates
Additionally, Dobbins spoke passionately about head coach Sean Payton and the staff around him.
âMy man Coach Sean Payton, I love him to death. Heâs one of my favorite coaches ever,â Dobbins said.
He also praised running backs coach Lou Ayeni and even defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Dobbins emphasized how welcomed he felt from day one.
That buy in extended to the locker room, especially his relationship with second round rookie RJ Harvey.
Dobbins mentored Harvey throughout the year and vowed to continue helping him grow.
âIâm going to help him get better even if Iâm not here,â Dobbins said. âHeâs my rookie forever.â
Dobbins is only 27 and entering his seventh NFL season.
The durability concerns are real, but so is the production when healthy.
In Dobbins mind, his chapter in Denver is not finished.
He became a tone-setter in the locker room and a steady voice for younger players
That kind of leadership matters, especially for a team trying to take the next step.
If the Broncos believe culture and buy in are as important as production, Dobbins has already shown he brings both.
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