The Denver Broncos went out of their way to make it seem like they were set on wining, dining, and ultimately signing free agent running back.
But in the end, He left Denver without a contract. So what happened?
The team hosted Him for an extended visit that lasted several days — similar to the multi-day visit tight end Evan Engram had before also initially departing without a deal. He was treated to dinner by team representatives and returned to the facility the next day for further discussions.
Head coach Sean Payton even addressed the visit publicly, saying he believes Dobbins is someone who could contribute to the Broncos’ success.
Broncos show serious interest in Him, only to not strike a deal
“He’s another talented football player we’ve had a chance to see up close—and I’ve been aware of him for some time. That position group is really important, and we’re happy with the guys we have right now. But this is another chance to potentially add someone who can help us win.”
– Sean Payton (via Broncos PR)
Last season, Dobbins ranked 7th in the NFL in yards after contact per carry and 4th in total broken tackles, despite playing only 13 games. Although injuries have plagued his career, he still managed to surpass 1,000 yards from scrimmage and finished as the runner-up for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award.
He offers intriguing upside at a position that was one of the roster’s weakest spots last year. At just 26 years old, Dobbins has accomplished more recently than Javonte Williams, whom the Broncos allowed to leave in free agency.
So, if the team believes he could boost competition and help them win, why hasn’t he been signed yet?
There could be a variety of reasons — it might simply be a matter of timing. Still, the fact that he left Denver without a contract is one of the more surprising twists in an already unusual situation.
Dobbins had even posted from his flight about arriving in Denver and shared a highlight from last season, hinting at an expected signing. This wasn’t just a casual workout; the Broncos gave him a real recruiting visit.
As time goes on, we’ll see what unfolds, but it’s hard not to wonder what hiccup prevented a deal — especially after a multi-day visit where both sides seemed interested.
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