The Denver Broncos saw their 2025 season end in heartbreak. After a strong regular season that earned them a first-round bye in the playoffs, the hype train came to a crashing halt when quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending injury.
With backup Jarrett Stidham running point in the championship game, they collapsed at the hands of the New England Patriots. What should they do to come back stronger in 2026?
Travis Etienne Jr. Touted As Perfect Fit in Broncos Backfield
Running back JK Dobbins missed half the Broncos’ season due to injury, and the front office doesn’t necessarily seem motivated to re-sign him. Head coach Sean Payton navigated the second half of the regular season and the playoffs with rookie R.J. Harvey.
While the youngster held his own, more experience would be invaluable in the backfield.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne just finished his rookie contract from 2022 and could be on the open market if the front office doesn’t prioritize his re-signing.
The back has a few more years under his belt than Harvey, which should bode well in Payton’s offense. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton argued that the Broncos are the “ideal suitor” for Etienne in free agency based on salary cap considerations.
Given the back’s production at the Jaguars, including 32 career touchdowns, he’ll likely prioritize money over Super Bowl ambitions.
“If Etienne signs with Kansas City, he would be the lead ball-carrier for a team that needs more offensive balance as quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL,” Moton wrote. “However, the Chiefs have limited cap space, which could be a factor in their pursuit of Etienne if he wants the best deal on the table.”
If Dobbins isn’t re-signed, Harvey (47.8 PFSN RB Impact) would be the only plausible starter in a backfield that includes Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie, both of whom could be gone this offseason due to expiring contracts.
While Harvey proved to be a worthy starter, it would make sense to acquire Etienne’s experience and keep the younger back in a developmental role at second-string.
“The Denver Broncos would be an ideal suitor for Etienne,” Moton added. “They can pay him a top-dollar salary with $28.7 million in cap space, and he would likely take over the featured position, while RJ Harvey continues to grow in primarily a pass-catching role.”
The Broncos belonged in Super Bowl 60, had it not been for Nix’s injury. Payton and company will be motivated to avenge their misfortune next season, and it could very well start with reinforcing the backfield.
