Jaguars reportedly missed out on 25-TD running back in NFL free agency

The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to field a new-look backfield in 2026.

Jacksonville lost Travis Etienne in free agency this offseason, as the former first-round pick departed for a four-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. To combat Etienne's exit, the Jaguars signed Chris Rodriguez Jr. to a two-year contract to pair with Bhayshul Tuten, who is set to take over as the lead back.

Signing Rodriguez to help out Tuten could prove to be a savvy move by Jacksonville, but general manager James Gladstone apparently had his eyes on another free-agent running back who ended up returning to his team instead of joining the Jaguars.

Jaguars missed out on J.K. Dobbins

According to Luca Evans of The Denver Post, running back J.K. Dobbins nearly signed with the Jaguars in free agency and was basically just waiting for the final word to make it official.

However, the Denver Broncos weren't ready to see the 27-year-old running back leave town, signing him to a two-year contract worth up to $20 million with $8 million guaranteed.

"Dobbins’ return to Denver was far from a sure thing, though. As both the Broncos and Dobbins explored their options when free agency opened on the morning of March 9, Dobbins had a potential agreement lined up with fellow AFC contender Jacksonville that was essentially “done,” according to a source with knowledge of the process. Instead, Denver and Dobbins turned back to the well and hammered out a two-year deal with $8 million fully guaranteed," Evans wrote.

Dobbins has struggled with injuries in his NFL career, and unfortunately, we saw more of the same in 2025 as he suffered a season-ending foot injury in November. But before going down for the year, Dobbins was incredibly productive for Denver, tallying 772 yards and four touchdowns on five yards per carry.

In seasons in which Dobbins has played at least 10 games, the Ohio State product has been incredibly efficient, never averaging below 4.6 yards per carry. The former second-round pick is truly a special player when on the field, and the Broncos are banking on him staying healthy this season and forming a dynamic running back duo with RJ Harvey.

As for the Jaguars, adding Dobbins to an offense that already boasts an electric aerial attack would've been exciting. Dobbins would've added some physicality and toughness to Liam Coen's unit, but the veteran will now remain in Denver for at least another year after Jacksonville couldn't close out the deal.