Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
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Jaleel McLaughlin #38 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Denver Broncos jumped back into the action on the third official day of free agency, coming to terms on a new contract with Jaleel McLaughlin.
Just as they have throughout this offseason, coming off a 14-win campaign and an appearance in the AFC Championship game, the Broncos are leaning on familiarity with their decision on McLaughlin.
The move further clarifies the Broncos’ intentions this offseason.
Broncos Re-Up With Former UDFA Jaleel McLaughlin
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
GettyJaleel McLaughlin #38 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after his receiving touchdown against the Carolina Panthers.
“The #Broncos have agreed to terms to bring back versatile RB Jaleel McLaughlin, source said, giving him a 1-year deal,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on March 13. “Add McLaughlin back into the mix with JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey.”
Per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, “Source says #Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin contract is one-year for the minimum of $1.145 million with $125,000 signing bonus.”
McLaughlin has been with the Broncos since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Youngstown State in 2023.
He has rushed for 1,093 yards and 3 touchdowns on 226 carries in his career.
McLaughlin has another 263 yards and 4 TDs on 59 receptions, underscoring his dual-threat ability. This past season, McLaughlin garnered his smallest role yet in the Broncos’ offense, with 187 yards and 1 TD on the ground and a 4-27-0 line as a receiver.
Denver opted against retaining him on a tender offer, too, which seemed to spell the end of his time with the club.
Instead, McLaughlin returns to a loaded room.
Broncos Keep RB Room Intact
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
GettyJaleel McLaughlin #38 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball against Mohamoud Diabate #43 of the Cleveland Browns.
McLaughlin returns in free agency with another opportunity to prove himself in a Broncos RB room that also includes former Baltimore Ravens draft pick Tyler Badie.
“With Jaleel McLaughlin re-signing, every single #Broncos player who caught a pass or touched the ball from scrimmage from the 2025 season is now currently back under contract (except for Trent Sherfield, who was waived midseason),” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans posted on X in reaction to the news.
“I repeat. Every. Single. Player.”
Whether or not that is a good thing for the Broncos remains to be seen. Denver ranked 10th overall and 14th in scoring offensively, but they were 16th on the ground. Part of that was due to injuries, but the Broncos are relying on the same group.
The Broncos are changing playcallers, from head coach Sean Payton to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
Will that be enough to make a difference, though?
Broncos Taking Potentially Calculated Risk
J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.
Dobbins joins McLaughlin as surprising returnees, given how the 2025 season ended, with the former sustaining another significant injury in his career, and the latter in a reduced role.
They also stand out in light of the Broncos’ rumored pursuits of other players this offseason.
The Broncos have swung and missedon several players (due to fiscal prudence). However, the Broncos could simply be plotting their course toward the draft, using free agency and the trade market to make aggressive overtures without relying on anything coming to fruition.
With two defensive starters leaving in free agency, replenishing depth and reducing needs where possible makes sense for the Broncos.