The Denver Broncos faced a significant challenge in addressing their running back situation this offseason, but they opted for a fiscally responsible approach that may just pay off in a big way. Rather than following expert predictions and using a first-round draft pick to select a running back, the Broncos focused on bolstering their defense and took Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with their initial selection.
However, they weren’t content with leaving the running back room entirely empty. Instead, the Broncos made a calculated move in the second round by drafting UCF’s RJ Harvey—a player they secured on a relatively affordable 4-year, $7.35 million contract. Harvey’s salary cap hit won’t break the bank in 2025, coming in at just $2.8 million.
But the Broncos weren’t done there. Realizing they needed a proven veteran to provide stability to their ground game, the team made a bold yet budget-friendly signing when they brought in J.K. Dobbins on June 10. The 26-year-old running back, who had previously put up solid numbers with the Los Angeles Chargers, agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract.
With Dobbins’ injury history raising some concerns, the move was low-risk but high-reward for the Broncos. If both Dobbins and Harvey can stay healthy and perform, it would represent an incredible value for the team, with the duo accounting for a combined cost of just under $6 million in 2025.
Lou Scataglia of Predominantly Orange believes that Dobbins’ addition might be exactly what the Broncos need. “J.K. Dobbins is an extremely talented player but signed for virtually nothing with Denver,” Scataglia wrote on August 13. "Talent has never been the question with J.K. Dobbins," agreed Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport back in March. “He has averaged 5.2 yards per carry for his career and set new career highs across the board in 2024. However, durability has been a major issue.”
Despite Dobbins’ injury concerns, he turned in a solid 2024 season, tallying 905 rushing yards and 1,058 yards of total offense in 13 games for the Chargers. His ability to produce when on the field makes him a valuable asset for the Broncos—if he can stay healthy.
Should both Dobbins and Harvey fail to deliver as expected, the Broncos still have a backup plan. Given that the Broncos made the playoffs in 2024 despite poor running back play, they could potentially make a move for another running back at the trade deadline if needed. Breece Hall of the New York Jets, for example, could be a trade target if Denver is still in playoff contention by midseason.
The Broncos' gamble on Dobbins and Harvey could be the key to their offensive success in 2025. With a relatively low cost and plenty of potential, this move could pay huge dividends if both running backs live up to expectations.
As training camp continues and the preseason heats up, the Broncos will be watching closely to see how their new additions perform—hoping that their running back problem is finally solved on a budget.
-1752100350-q80.webp "‘He Was Always Expected To Be This’: NFL Director Has Major Praise for Saquon Barkley")