Broncos predicted to address biggest offseason need by signing $13 million free agent

The Denver Broncos don't have a ton of needs to address this offseason, but running back is no doubt one of them.

Denver signed J.K. Dobbins and drafted RJ Harvey in 2025, but Dobbins is slated to hit free agency this offseason after what was an impressive campaign for the Broncos running back before his season ended early due to injury.

While the Broncos will likely have interest in bringing Dobbins back, his injury history may give Denver pause and that could lead to the Broncos going in a different direction.

If that turns out to be the case, Pro Football Focus' Ryan Smith predicts the team will sign Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle in free agency to address what he deems is the team's biggest offseason need.

Here's why Smith thinks the Broncos should sign Dowdle:

JK Dobbins is a pending free agent, and the Broncos struggled to run the ball at times this season despite having a top offensive line. Adding Rico Dowdle would allow RJ Harvey to stay fresh for third downs and allow the team to best utilize his skill set in a two-headed committee. 

Dowdle has been one of the better running backs in the NFL over the last two seasons, forcing 79 missed tackles and averaging 3.21 yards after contact per attempt over that span. The duo of Harvey and Dowdle would be an attempt to replicate Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara from head coach Sean Payton's New Orleans Saints days.

Dowdle, who Spotrac projects will receive a two-year, $13 million deal in free agency, had another impressive season.

He tallied his second straight 1,000-yard campaign in Carolina after reaching that milestone with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024.

Dowdle even wrestled away the starting job from Chuba Hubbard just one season after the Panthers extended him, although the South Carolina product came back down to Earth late in the season and ultimately saw his role reduced.

Dowdle is going to be looking for a spot that gives him an opportunity to be a clear-cut lead back. But he'll likely have a tough time finding that kind of role, which could lead him to a team like the Broncos.

Harvey had a good but not great rookie season and the jury is still very much out on whether or not he's the long-term solution in Denver. Even if he is, Harvey isn't likely to ever be a workhorse, so the Broncos need more help.

Dowdle would be just what the doctor ordered as a back who can do the dirty work in between the tackles while also offering an asset in the passing game. And, if Harvey struggles, Dowdle could move into a workhorse role.

A one-two punch of Dowdle and Harvey would be a strong one for the Broncos if Dobbins' return to Denver isn't in the cards.

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