The Denver Broncos had a successful season in 2025, but there is still plenty of room to grow as a team this offseason.

One of the main issues the Broncos need to resolve is the offensive weapons for Bo Nix. The wide receiver room could use a superstar, but more importantly, the tight end room needs a new starter, and the running back room needs a running mate for RJ Harvey.

Simply re-signing J.K. Dobbins would make a lot of sense. And after ESPN’s Bill Barnwell revealed a very affordable contract projection for Dobbins, at most $7 million per year, the Broncos can easily have a strong RB room in 2026.

Broncos get good news on J.K. Dobbins contract projection

Barnwell listed Dobbins among his Tier 4 free agent running backs, and for these running backs, they received a “Projected average annual salary: $3-7 million.”

This range isn’t a lot of money at all. $7 million, the high-end of this range for Barnwell’s Tier 4 running backs, would be a very reasonable per-year offer for the Broncos to give Dobbins.

While Denver’s front office could elect to pursue a new face in the running back room to pair with Harvey, whether it’s a trade target, free agent, or draft option, Dobbins makes a lot of sense to bring back this year.

After putting up 774 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 10 games on 153 attempts, Dobbins is hitting free agency coming off a tough foot injury.

More: Broncos tabbed as suitor for 1,076-yard Panthers RB as J.K. Dobbins replacement

He had a chance to return if the Broncos made the Super Bowl, but after being eliminated by the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship, the Broncos’ veteran running back finished his sixth year playing just 10 games.

Dobbins has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but that’s something the Broncos should overlook. They’ve been fluky injuries, and when he’s on the field, he’s a very solid running back.

He might not be the flashy running back that other teams have, but paired with Harvey, the Broncos’ running back room would be good enough to go on a Super Bowl run.

Spending $7 million per year on Dobbins would be worth it for Denver, and that’s Barnwell’s ceiling for this tier of running backs.

This is a very affordable projected contract for Dobbins, and something Sean Payton and George Paton should seriously consider doing this offseason.

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