Inside look at Broncos' options in free agency to improve running back position
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Inside look at Broncos' options in free agency to improve running back position originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Denver Broncos need to be aggressive this offseason in bringing more firepower to the offense. This was a need last season and though the offense was better in 2025, improvements must be made in order for the team to take advantage of a wide-open championship window.
The team needs No. 1 options at both wide receiver and running back. The big issue with that is the fact that this year's draft class doesn't contain many options to get excited about in terms of offensive playmakers. That leaves the free-agent market or the idea of finding a trade as the places where George Paton and Sean Payton need to look.
As discussed in this trade proposal, the free-agent market doesn't offer much at wide receiver, either. However, there are some running backs for the team to take a serious look at.
What should Broncos do in free agency at the running back position?
The first thing the Broncos will need to decide is what to do with their own free-agent running back, J.K. Dobbins. Should the team re-sign him or look outside the organization?
Dobbins was quite effective in Denver's offense last season and the running game took a noticeable step back when he went down with a foot injury against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10.
J.K. Dobbins does want to re-sign with the Broncos.
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He rushed for 772 yards (fifth in the league at the time of his injury), averaged 5.0 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns. The Broncos sorely missed him during their postseason run.
As good as Dobbins is, he has a big problem staying on the field. Multiple injuries have set him back during his career and he's never played a full regular season.
The Los Angeles Chargers had this exact scenario this past offseason and chose to sign Najee Harris in free agency and use their first-round pick to select Omarion Hampton while choosing to let Dobbins walk in free agency.
The Broncos will have a lot to consider as Dobbins would be cheaper than the following options.
Broncos could sign one of these running backs
This year's free-agent market is loaded with strong options at the running back position. Here are some of the more recognizable names for the Broncos to consider:
Breece Hall, New York Jets
Projected Contract: $10.4 million annually
Breece Hall should be the No. 1 option on the Broncos' board. He will likely be the most sought-after running back in free agency, and with good reason. Still just 24 years old, Hall is one of the more versatile running backs in the league as he is a fantastic receiver out of the backfield.
He would enhance the play of quarterback Bo Nix for that reason and as a true three-down running back, he would add a brand-new dimension to the Broncos' offensive attack.
Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
Projected Contract: $8.3 million annually
Fans who may not be incredibly familiar with Kenneth Walker's game will see him perform on the grand stage of the Super Bowl on Sunday. A hard-nosed runner with deceptive speed, Walker can do a bit of everything.
He has battled some injuries during his career, but he is a downhill runner who can break big plays at any time.
Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers
Projected Contract: $6.5 million annually
The Broncos were connected to Rico Dowdle in free agency this past offseason, but he chose to sign a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. He will turn 28 years old in July, but he is coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns for the Panthers while sharing the backfield with Chuba Hubbard.
Though he is set to be an unrestricted free agent, it would be a surprise if Carolina didn't bring him back.
Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
Projected Contract: $6.8 million annually
Travis Etienne is coming off the best season of his pro career thus far and as a result, he stands to get paid. The Jacksonville Jaguars would love to keep him in the fold with his college buddy and teammate, Trevor Lawrence, but they will have to reward him handsomely for his 2025 season.
In the four seasons in which he has played, Etienne has rushed for 1,000 yards in three of them. He had a career-high 13 touchdowns this past season including six through the air. Prior to 2025, he had one receiving touchdown in his career.
MORE: Broncos urged to take a look at projected $31.5 million linebacker in free agency
Based on the contract projections by Spotrac, Etienne may be the best overall value of the four players listed here.
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