J.K. Dobbins’ signing with the Denver Broncos is official, but long snapper Zach Triner paid a hefty price. Dobbins, a second-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, spent 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Triner split 2024 between the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“OFFICIAL: We’ve signed RB J.K. Dobbins,” the Broncos posted on X on June 1. “Welcome to #BroncosCountry, @Jkdobbins22!”
Dobbins signed a one-year contract worth up to $2.7 million, while Triner was on a one-year, $1.2 million pact. The Broncos needed the roster spot, not the salary cap relief, with $16.2 million in space, per Over The Cap.
Many on the Broncos beat suspect Dobbins will co-lead the Broncos’ rushing attack with rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey.
However, Broncos head coach Sean Payton cautioned everyone against predicting anything.
J.K. Dobbins Shakes Up Broncos’ Backfield
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Dobbins rushed for 905 yards and 9 touchdowns on 195 yards in 2024, bringing versatility to the Broncos. Denver backs capped out at 139 carries, 513 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Former starter Javonte Williams, now of the Dallas Cowboys, set those marks.
The Broncos also have 2024 fifth-round pick Audric Estime, fellow second-year back Blake Watson, and young veterans Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie.
Payton said all of them will receive opportunities to prove themselves in training camp.
“Don’t start counting [reps]. I’ve heard you guys counting, and it’s like, don’t count, because half you will be wrong. Let’s just see what they do,” Payton told reporters on June 10. “Don’t try to figure out the club right now. It’s way too early.”
Still, it is difficult to overlook that Badie, Estime, McLaughlin, and Watson were all on the roster when the Broncos made Harvey a surprising second-round pick.
Even including Harvey in the group, the same is true about Dobbins’ arrival in free agency.
Dobbins has an extensive injury history, though, and operates best in a committee with at least one other back. That also fits with Payton’s history at the position, where players like Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram were productive in the same New Orleans Saints backfield.
Super Bowl Champion’s Exit Could Be Good News for Broncos
GettyDerius Davis #12 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Mitchell Fraboni #48 of the Denver Broncos.
Before he was a roster casualty to add Dobbins, Triner won a Super Bowl with the Tom Brady Buccaneers in 2020 and signed with the Broncos earlier this offseason. He signed with the Broncos as they navigated regular long snapper Mitchell Fraboni’s absence.
“Triner is needed as Mitch Fraboni works his way back from back issue not considered major,” the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson wrote in May.
That Triner’s services are no longer needed could bode well for Fraboni.
The Broncos are conducting their three-day minicamp from June 10 through June 12. After that, they will break until training camp later in the summer. That gives Fraboni plenty of time to get over the ailment that, as recently as June 10, still had him sidelined.
Losing a spot to Dobbins marks Triner’s second time being cut by the Broncos this offseason, who released him to sign rookies in May. Moreover, he was viewed as Fraboni’s competition.
Triner’s second exit could be good news for Fraboni that way, too.
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