Broncos' Running Back Dilemma: Free Agency & Draft

0:00On February 26, the Denver Broncos face a thin running-back group heading into the 2026 season. Only one player from their active roster at the end of last year remains under contract. That leaves a clear gap they must address soon. J.K. Dobbins has to unrestricted free agency, giving him full control over his next move. Jaleo McLaughlin carries restricted free agent status, while Tyler Beatty falls under exclusive rights. All three futures hang in the balance. Some officials stress the need to evaluate core roster spots without counting on free agents. This approach highlights how urgent the running-back position has become for Denver's rebuild. Looking ahead, the Broncos will target free agency and the draft to rebuild depth. They aim to avoid relying on unproven options or late round picks alone. Expect this need to shape their off-season strategy as they push to strengthen the ground game for better balance on offense. offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense offense