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Broncos Must Re-Sign RB J.K. Dobbins in 2026 Free Agency
Retaining Dobbins would strengthen Denver's rushing attack and block a key acquisition by rival Kansas City Chiefs.
Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:25pm
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The Denver Broncos face a critical decision regarding the running back position during the 2026 NFL offseason. While acquiring a high-profile player would enhance their offensive lineup, the team also needs to retain J.K. Dobbins, who had a strong start to the 2025 season but was limited by injuries. Retaining Dobbins is crucial to prevent him from joining division rival Kansas City Chiefs, which would dramatically reshape their offensive threat, particularly in rushing. Resigning Dobbins would benefit the Broncos' ground attack tremendously and create depth and flexibility in their backfield.
Why it matters
Preventing Dobbins from joining the Chiefs is not only about improving Denver's offense but also about blocking a rival's potential upgrade. Retaining Dobbins should be valued not just for his talent but to prevent strengthening the Chiefs' roster, which would be alarming for Broncos fans.
The details
Dobbins had a strong start to the 2025 season, positioning himself as a potential top-10 running back, but injuries limited his participation. Since being drafted in 2020, he has yet to complete an entire NFL season fully healthy. Despite this, the Broncos would be wise to consider re-signing Dobbins soon, especially to prevent him from joining division rival Kansas City.
- Dobbins was drafted by the Broncos in 2020.
- Dobbins had a strong start to the 2025 season, but injuries limited his participation.
The players
J.K. Dobbins
A running back for the Denver Broncos who had a strong start to the 2025 season but was limited by injuries.
Bo Nix
The quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
Andy Reid
The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Patrick Mahomes
The quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs.
George Paton
The general manager of the Denver Broncos.
What they’re saying
“Denver capitalized on the Kansas City Chiefs' downturn in 2025 by advancing smoothly through the AFC regular season. While the Chiefs face salary cap issues that may force roster changes, it is difficult to count out the combination of head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.”
— Birendra Singh, Author
What’s next
The Broncos must act quickly to secure J.K. Dobbins' contract in the upcoming 2026 free agency period to prevent him from joining the rival Kansas City Chiefs.
The takeaway
Retaining J.K. Dobbins is crucial for the Broncos, not only to strengthen their rushing attack but also to block a key acquisition by their division rival, the Kansas City Chiefs. This strategic decision goes beyond just on-field performance and could have a significant impact on the AFC landscape in 2026.
