J.K. Dobbins Eyes New Broncos Contract in FA, Calls Sean Payton '1 of My Favorite Coaches Ever'

J.K. Dobbins was with the Denver Broncos for just one season, but he experienced enough to want to remain with the team "for life" as he heads into potential free agency this offseason.

"It starts with the ownership," the running back told reporters Monday when explaining why he wants to stay. "They get us everything that we need to be successful here. … There were things I would ask [owner Greg] Penner, and he would get it to us. He would get it to me. Then my man, coach Sean Payton, I love him to death. He's one of my favorite coaches ever. 

"Then [running backs] coach Lou Ayeni, too. It has been a great process with everyone here. Then the offensive line, and just like everybody, the brothers, and like the defense. I even felt like I was part of the defense because they wanted me here. [Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph] wanted me here. So it's just been a great time here in my short time. I think that I'll be here. Hopefully, I will. I think I'm a Bronco for life."

Dobbins seemed well on his way to more than 1,000 yards on the ground in his first season with Denver before suffering a foot injury that ended his season in Week 10.

He posted 772 yards on 5.0 yards per carry and surpassed the century mark in victories over the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys.

Denver's rushing attack took quite the hit after he suffered the injury, as backup RJ Harvey averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in his first season in the league. He also ran for just 20 yards on 3.3 yards per attempt against the Buffalo Bills and 37 yards on 2.8 yards per attempt against the New England Patriots in the playoffs.

▶️ Full Patriots-Broncos Recap

05:52

The Broncos could have used far more production from him during Sunday's loss considering quarterback Bo Nix was sidelined, but he failed to take full advantage of his 13 carries.

While Harvey was just a rookie and figures to improve with more experience, it is hard to argue with the difference in production. Perhaps that will inspire the Broncos to bring Dobbins back, especially after the veteran expressed such a desire to stay in his latest comments.

Injuries have been the primary issue for the Ohio State product throughout his career, as he missed the 2021 season before being limited to eight games in 2022, one game in 2023, 13 games in 2024 and 10 games in 2025.

Despite the constant setbacks, he has largely produced when on the field with a career average of 5.2 yards per carry. It would be anything but a surprise if Denver brings him back in 2026 to split carries with Harvey.