The Jacksonville Jaguars came very close to signing J.K. Dobbins in free agency.

How close? According to Luca Evans of the Denver Post, Dobbins had essentially had a deal worked out with the Jaguars before the Denver Broncos swooped in and kept their leading rusher.

After losing their own top rusher, Travis Etienne Jr., to the New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville was in the market for a new running back. The Jaguars thought they had their new RB1 in Dobbins, only to have the Broncos take him back at the last minute.

Dobbins was fifth in the NFL with 772 rushing yards after 10 games, before a foot injury cost him the rest of the season. Injuries have been the only thing to stop Dobbins thus far in his NFL career. The former Ohio State star had played in only 47 games while missing 49 throughout his career, which has also included stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers.

If healthy (always a big "if" with Dobbins), he would have unquestionably been Jacksonville's top RB for the upcoming season. He has averaged an impressive 5.2 YPC throughout his career and scored 25 touchdowns on the ground. Dobbins has never been much of a receiving back, but he did catch 32 passes in 2024 with LA, suggesting he could offer more in that department.

Dobbins and second-year back Bhayshul Tuten would have given the Jaguars an impressive duo of backs. Their styles would have been perfect complements to one another. An offense with Trevor Lawrence, Dobbins, Tuten, and Jacksonville's impressive group of wide receivers could have been one of the best in the NFL.

Alas, Dobbins coming to the Jaguars was not meant to be. He ended up re-signing with the Broncos on a two-year, $16 million deal, with $8 million fully guaranteed. Dobbins would have been a bargain compared to Etienne's four-year, $52 million contract with the Saints.

After missing out on Dobbins, the Jaguars pivoted to RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., who signed with Jacksonville for two years and $10 million. The former Washington Commander is expected to split time with Tuten this season as the power back option to Tuten's speed. However, Rodriguez Jr. has been unable to practice due to a foot injury, which required surgery.

Jacksonville was heavily criticized for what was perceived as a lackluster offseason. In fact, Rodriguez Jr. was the only new addition the Jaguars signed in free agency, and he hasn't been able to take the field with the team yet.

Now we know that Jacksonville almost snatched one of the best running backs available in free agency away from one of the AFC's best teams. Adding Dobbins would have been a fantastic signing by general manager James Gladstone.

Looking on the bright side, if Dobbins had been acquired, Tuten may not have gotten the chance to shine as a lead back. Tuten has looked terrific in practices so far and looks to be a big part of the offense in 2026.

Dobbins would have been a great addition, but Jacksonville's offense looks like it will be just fine without him.

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