Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton identifies areas where his team can improve and looks to sign a player to take the offense to the next level. Uneven offenses can work in the NFL, but if you’re not the Kansas City Chiefs, a lopsided scheme won’t cut it. Overreliance on one aspect makes teams predictable.
As a result, that eliminates the element of surprise. After a strong season that ended with a playoff appearance, Payton wants a repeat of that success. To do so, he’s shopping for veteran help.
Sean Payton Looks for Offensive Balance in Pursuit of Free Agent RB J.K. Dobbins
By every metric, Payton enjoyed a fair amount of success last season. The Broncos finished 10-7, reaching their first postseason since 2015. After an 8-9 record during his first year, the head coach found his groove. Bo Nix exceeded expectations, throwing for 3,779 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Denver leaned heavily on Nix’s arm. Leading rusher Javonte Williams had just 513 yards. Now with the Dallas Cowboys, Williams’ departure leaves a void in the backfield. The Broncos drafted running back R.J. Harvey in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but the team still needs depth.
Second-year back Audric Estime brings a bruising style to the ground game, but doesn’t wow with his athleticism. That’s why the team hosted veteran J.K. Dobbins. Formerly with Los Angeles and Baltimore, Dobbins offers more than just running ability.
He’s shown great hands, catching 80.8% of his targets as a third-down back. He also ran for a career-high 905 yards last season. Payton discussed bringing Dobbins in for a visit with Denver Gazette reporter Chris Tomasson.
Sean Payton said bringing in JK Dobbins for a visit because “he’s another good football player.”
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) June 5, 2025
“Sean Payton said he brought in JK Dobbins for a visit because ‘he’s another good football player.'”
While that should go without saying, the 26-year-old still has plenty of tread on the tires. With just 488 career touches, Payton may rely on the former Ohio State standout to split snaps with Harvey. As the rookie adjusts to the NFL, Dobbins gives Denver a complete backfield option.
Estime could serve as the closer — the hammer to run out the clock, convert first downs, and wear out defenses. That’ll matter in tough road matchups against the Jets, Commanders, Eagles, and Chiefs. A dependable rushing attack helps quiet hostile crowds.
Payton made his name through the passing game and won a Super Bowl because of it. But this team needs balance. While Nix had a solid rookie year, sending him out with a subpar run game won’t help in Year 2. When DNVR beat writer Zac Stevens asked about Dobbins, Payton gave minimal detail.
Sean Payton on visiting with J.K. Dobbins today: “We’ll see where it goes”
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) June 5, 2025
“We’ll see where it goes.”
With a playoff return checked off the list, can Payton bring in Dobbins to fuel another postseason run?