Jaleel McLaughlin - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Jaleel McLaughlin's Cleveland homecoming gives Browns more than RB insurance It's evident that head coach Todd Monken is going to want the Cleveland Browns to run the ball plenty with Quinshon Judkins in 2026. Clevela...

12 HOURS AGO • DAWGPOUNDDAILY.COM

Catches on with Cleveland's practice squad The Browns signed McLaughlin to the practice squad Tuesday.

Impact McLaughlin was waived by the Broncos on Sunday after losing to Tyler Badie for the RB4 role behind J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman. McLaughlin will get a new opportunity in Cleveland, where he would be a top candidate for elevation to the active roster if one of Quidshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson or Raheim Sanders miss time. McLaughlin appeared in eight regular-season games for the Broncos last year, logging 37 carries for 187 yards and a touchdown while adding four catches (on six targets) for 27 yards.

SEPTEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

Jaleel McLaughlin's next team after Broncos cut feels painfully obvious The Denver Broncos parted with Jaleel McLaughlin during roster cuts, and his next team actually feels quite obvious.

AUGUST 31 • PREDOMINANTLYORANGE.COM

Time in Denver ends The Broncos waived McLaughlin on Sunday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Impact After serving in a depth capacity in the Denver backfield over the past three seasons and averaging an excellent 4.8 yards per carry over that stretch, McLaughiln re-upped with the Broncos on a one-year, $1.43 million deal in March but was still forced to battle for a roster spot heading into training camp and the preseason. A lack of utility on special teams appears to have cost McLaughlin a job, with Denver opting to keep Tyler Badie over him as its No. 4 running back behind J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman.

AUGUST 31 • ROTOWIRE

Sam Ehlinger finds Jaleel McLaughlin for 20-yard TD pass | Broncos vs. Vikings Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger completes a 20-yard touchdown pass to running back Jaleel McLaughlin to cap a well-executed two-minute dril...

AUGUST 29 • DENVERBRONCOS.COM

Barron returns pick 97 yards for a TD as Stidham leads Broncos to runaway 27-7 win over Falcons

Jarrett Stidham threw a touchdown pass in his bid to keep his hold on Denver’s backup job and Jahdae Barron returned an interception 97 yards for a touchdown as the Broncos overwhe...

AUGUST 15 • Associated Press

RB Jaleel McLaughlin records 5-yard touchdown reception | Broncos at Falcons Running back Jaleel McLaughlin finds the end zone to extend the Broncos' lead over the Falcons.

AUGUST 15 • DENVERBRONCOS.COM

Fighting for No. 4 spot McLaughlin will enter training camp competing with Tyler Badie for what appears to be the No. 4 role in the Broncos' backfield, Luca Evans of The Denver Post reports.

Impact McLaughlin re-signed with Denver this offseason, but with all of J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman seemingly above him on the running back depth chart, the 25-year-old looks set to battle for depth duties and potentially a final roster spot with Badie. If given the opportunity, McLaughlin still offers change-of-pace abilities and rushing upside (career 4.8 YPC), but Badie's pass-protection skills and special-teams value could make for a tough camp competition. Even if McLaughlin wins the No. 4 spot, he lacks a clear path to touches on offense.

JULY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Back with Broncos The Broncos have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with McLaughlin, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Impact Though the Broncos initially declined to offer McLaughlin a contract tender ahead of free agency, the 25-year-old will return to the team after all. The core of Denver's backfield thus remains unchanged from 2025, with J.K. Dobbins having also been re-signed and RJ Harvey back for his second year as a pro. In eight regular-season outings in 2025, McLaughlin carried 37 times for 187 yards and a TD, while adding four catches for 27 yards. Now that he's back in the fold, McLaughlin will reprise his depth role behind Dobbins and Harvey in 2026.

MARCH 13 • ROTOWIRE

Won't be tendered by Broncos The Broncos don't plan to offer McLaughlin a contract tender, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Impact As a result, the pending restricted free agent will be eligible to hit the open market, though Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post indicates that the Broncos are thought to be open to bringing the RB back. In eight regular-season contests with Denver in 2025, the 25-year-old carried 37 times (down from his career high 113 mark in 2024) for 187 yards and a TD, while adding four catches for 27 yards.

FEBRUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Accrues 13 total yards in loss McLaughlin rushed four times for 11 yards and brought one of two targets for two yards in the Broncos' 10-7 loss to the Patriots in Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

Impact McLaughlin filled his usual complementary role behind RJ Harvey, who led the ground attack with 13 carries. The third-year pro wasn't able to break into the open field on any of this four totes, and weather conditions that included significant second-half snowfall made offense difficult to come by as a whole. McLaughlin will be a restricted free agent this offseason, and it appears unlikely he'll draw any interest from other teams under that classification.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Broncos defense must carry team again as backup QB Stidham set to start AFC championship game

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JANUARY 19 • Associated Press

Tallies 80 all-purpose yards in win McLaughlin rushed four times for 21 yards, failed to bring in his only target and ran back three kickoffs for 59 yards in the Broncos' 33-30 overtime divisional-round win against t...

Impact The reserve running back logged only two fewer carries than backfield mate RJ Harvey while also providing a 27-yard kickoff return among his three runbacks. McLaughlin is likely ticketed for single-digit carries and a special-teams role again in an upcoming AFC Championship Game clash versus either the Texans or Patriots, although it's possible the ground attack as a whole is relied on more with Jarrett Stidham taking over at quarterback for Bo Nix, who'll be sidelined until next season due to an ankle fracture he suffered in overtime.

JANUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

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JANUARY 18 • FOX SPORTS

5 Takeaways From the Broncos' Win Over the Bills

Modest third season in Denver McLaughlin ended the 2025 regular season with 37 carries for 187 yards and a touchdown, adding four receptions on six targets for 27 yards across eight games.

Impact McLaughlin played just 85 offensive snaps in eight appearances during the 2025 campaign, playing just 14 total offensive snaps across two contests before Denver's Week 12 bye. The 25-year-old running back only saw his role increase once J.K. Dobbins landed on injured reserve with a foot injury, though his increased playing time did not amount to much in the way of significant production. Down the stretch, head coach Sean Payton hinted we could see McLaughlin get more involved in the rotation behind rookie RJ Harvey, yet Harvey continued to handle the bulk of the backfield work as the season progressed. McLaughlin will enter the 2026 offseason as a restricted free agent, so the Broncos could retain him if they can match an offer from another team. With that said, Dobbins will become a restricted free agent and Tyler Badie is set to be an exclusive rights free agent this offseason. With Harvey being the only back under contract for next season, the Broncos will have some decisions to make regarding their running back room ahead of the 2026 campaign. If brought back by Denver, McLaughlin would continue to operate as a solid depth piece for the Broncos' rushing attack.

JANUARY 8 • ROTOWIRE

RB Jaleel McLaughlin bursts upfield for 17-yard catch-and-run | Broncos vs. Chargers Running back Jaleel McLaughlin turns a short pass into a 17-yard gain against the Chargers.

JANUARY 5 • DENVERBRONCOS.COM

Seven carries in win McLaughlin rushed the ball seven times for 40 yards in Thursday's 20-13 win over the Chiefs.

Impact McLaughlin closed the gap in workload to RJ Harvey in Week 16, though he was the clear complementary back once again Thursday. He was out-touched 19-7 by Harvey, though McLaughlin did chip in a 15-yard run just before halftime to set up a field goal for the Broncos. He'll likely retain a secondary role in the Denver offense in Week 18 against the Chargers.

DECEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

RB Jaleel McLaughlin rumbles for a 15-yard gain | Broncos at Chiefs Running back Jaleel McLaughlin finds the open field and gains 15 yards against the Chiefs.

DECEMBER 26, 2025 • DENVERBRONCOS.COM

Handles five carries in loss McLaughlin rushed five times for 37 yards in Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Jaguars.

Impact McLaughlin was not a major factor Sunday, as the Broncos only attempted 17 total rushes against the Jaguars, with starter RJ Harvey handling seven of those carries. The 25-year-old McLaughlin played just 10 of the Broncos 66 offensive snaps, behind both Harvey (39) and Tyler Badie (15). His limited work came after head coach Sean Payton told reporters that he planned to get the third-year running back more touches moving forward. Though his five carries against Jacksonville were a slight improvement over his two carries in Week 15, his minimal involvement makes McLaughlin extremely difficult to trust for fantasy purposes. The Youngstown State product remains a solid insurance policy in the event that Harvey were to miss time due to injury, but he can safely be left out of fantasy lineups heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Chiefs.

DECEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Jaleel McLaughlin's 16-yard rush ends with a cartwheel finish | Broncos vs. Jaguars Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin rushes for 16 yards and is spun to the ground early in the game against Jacksonville.

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • DENVERBRONCOS.COM

Coach suggests more work coming Head coach Sean Payton said Wednesday that he plans to get McLaughlin more touches moving forward, Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire reports.

Impact RJ Harvey is expected to play through a rib injury Sunday against the Jaguars, but the Broncos will be mindful of the rookie lead back's workload down the stretch to help ensure Harvey's healthy for the playoffs. If Harvey comes off the field more on early downs, that could lead to more opportunities for McLaughlin. While McLaughlin's a capable pass catcher, Tyler Badie seems to be the team's preferred backfield option in passing situations. McLaughlin has yet to exceed seven touches in a game this season, and an increased workload may not lead to much success Sunday against Jacksonville's stout run defense.

DECEMBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Minimal usage in win McLaughlin rushed two times for four yards in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Packers.

Impact McLaughlin continued to operate as Denver's No. 2 running back while playing just nine of the Broncos' 68 offensive snaps against Green Bay. Meanwhile, teammate RJ Harvey dominated the running back snap share, playing 46 snaps in the contest. The 25-year-old McLaughlin does not hold much fantasy value based on his limited usage in Denver's offense, though he remains a solid insurance policy if Harvey were to be sidelined by an injury down the stretch. Up next for the Broncos is a Week 16 home matchup against the Jaguars.

DECEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Handles four carries in win McLaughlin rushed four times for 22 yards and caught his lone target for nine yards in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Raiders.

Impact McLaughlin played just 10 of the Broncos' 74 offensive snaps Sunday, behind both RJ Harvey (50) and Tyler Badie (12). The 25-year-old running back was unable to get much going with his limited opportunities, as Harvey continued to establish himself as the No. 1 option out of the backfield while recording 100 total scrimmage yards on 23 touches and a touchdown. McLaughlin remains a solid insurance policy in the event that Harvey were to miss time down the stretch, but barring an injury, he should not be trusted for fantasy purposes heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Packers.

DECEMBER 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Broncos facing brutal stretch run as they seek first AFC West title and top playoff seed in a decade

The Denver Broncos have ended the Kansas City Chiefs' reign in the AFC West

DECEMBER 8, 2025 • Associated Press

Fantasy Football Week 14 Waiver Wire Running Back Pickups feat. Jaleel McLaughlin, Ray Davis It's the final week of fantasy football for the unfortunate teams in many leagues.

DECEMBER 1, 2025 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

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