The Denver Broncos entered the 2026 NFL offseason with a few clear needs, with tight end, running back, and linebacker being the top issues to resolve.
Instead of adding outside help, the Broncos have opted for re-signings instead. Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton are back at LB, and J.K. Dobbins is back at running back.
But the Broncos aren't done adding to their running back room just yet. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Broncos are re-signing backup running back Jaleel McLaughlin to a one-year contract.
Broncos to re-sign Jaleel McLaughlin to one-year deal
"The Broncos have agreed to terms to bring back versatile RB Jaleel McLaughlin, source said, giving him a 1-year deal," Rapoport reports.
McLaughlin is returning to the Broncos offense, slotting in behind Dobbins and RJ Harvey once again in the running back pecking order.
While he might not be a starter in the NFL, McLaughlin is a solid depth piece who is still 25 years old and has shown solid flashes at times in his career.
This past season was one of the weaker years of his career, as he had just 187 rushing yards and one touchdown on 37 attempts. He also only had four receptions for 27 yards and no touchdowns.
More: J.K. Dobbins to re-sign with Broncos on two-year deal
The dual-threat running back was much more involved in the offense in 2023 and 2024. He had 76 attempts for 410 yards and a touchdown, with 31 catches on 36 targets for 160 yards and two touchdowns, in his rookie year in 2023.
Then, in 2024, McLaughlin ran for 496 yards and a touchdown on 113 attempts to go with 24 catches on 27 targets for 76 yards and two touchdowns.
McLaughlin returns to the Broncos on a cheap one-year contract. He will back up Dobbins and Harvey once more, as McLaughlin reprises his role as the team's third running back with a one-year contract this offseason.
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