The Minnesota Vikings may or may not want another running back for an otherwise spectacular summer depth chart, but if they do, veteran tailback J.K. Dobbins could be off the board soon.
The Denver Broncos will host a veteran playmaker this week, possibly wiping him off the board for the Vikings.
Dobbins has remained on the free-agent wire for about three months, but if he plays his cards right, he may soon work for the Denver Broncos.
Although the Broncos have rookie R.J. Harvey lined up for a prominent role, Dobbins could soon join him in Denver.
J.K. Dobbins to Meet with Broncos
Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio wrote Wednesday, “It’s been a very quiet free-agency period for veteran running back J.K. Dobbins. That’s about to change. Dobbins will visit the Broncos on Thursday, according to NFL Media. He’ll dine with Denver officials on Wednesday night.”
“The Broncos currently have five running backs on the roster: Jaleel McLauglin, Audric Estime, Tyler Badie, Blake Watson, and rookie RJ Harvey. Harvey is generally expected to be the starter. In his only season with the Chargers, Dobbins had a career-high 905 rushing yards in 13 games. He added 153 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns.”
Because the Broncos and Sean Payton just love a plethora of RB options, folks should reasonably expect Dobbins to sign in Denver after the dinner meeting.
Dobbins Slightly on Vikings’ Free Agent Radar
The Vikings traded for Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers three months ago, and for the most part, the RB room is in sweet shape with Aaron Jones, Mason, Ty Chandler, Tre Stewart, and Zavier Scott.
But some fans have held out hope that the Vikings might sign one more halfback, as Jones is “up there” in age and Mason battled an injury last season. Too, Chandler could be cut if a player like Dobbins signed with the Vikings.
If Dobbins isn’t available but the Vikings still want one more running back, these free agents remain:
- Cam Akers
- Nick Chubb
- Chase Edmonds
- Gus Edwards
- Nyheim Hines
- Jeff Wilson
The Broncos’ Rushing Offense
Denver ranked 17th per rushing EPA/Play and 24th per DVOA last season while prominently featuring Javonte Williams, who now works for the Dallas Cowboys.
This time around, unless Dobbins joins the party, Denver will feature Harvey, McLaughlin, Estime, Badie, and Watson, as mentioned by Florio.
Adding Dobbins would merely make the Broncos’ RB room a crowded house — again.
J.K. Dobbins’ Career to Date
Dobbins logged 905 rushing yards last year with 9 touchdowns, along with 32 receptions for 153 receiving yards. It’s been a bit odd for three months that Dobbins has signed nowhere.
Before 2024, he battled injuries as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, the club that drafted him with a 2nd-Round pick in 2020.
Dobbins also missed four games due to injury in 2024. All told, Dobbins has been absent in 56% of all career games because of injuries.
Broncos-Theme Media’s Take on Dobbins to DEN
Mile High Report‘s Scotty Payne wrote about the possibility of Dobbins to Denver: “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.”
Dobbins will turn 27 in December.
Payne added, “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.”
If Minnesota, indeed, adds one more running back, a Cam Akers reunion might be the safest bet.
