As the low-end RFA tender figure has climbed near $4MM, those are being handed out at a lower rate. The Broncos declined to tender running back Jaleel McLaughlin, but he is still in their 2026 plans.
Despite re-signing J.K. Dobbins, Denver is re-signing McLaughlin (per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The diminutive running back is rejoining the team on a one-year deal, continuing a string of re-signings for a Broncos team that has otherwise been inactive in free agency.
Denver now has its top four RBs from 2025 under contract, with Tyler Badie remaining in the fold. Badie’s increased usage on passing downs led to McLaughlin — a regular from 2023-24 — being a healthy scratch for a chunk of the season, but Dobbins’ Lisfranc injury opened the door for another opportunity.
Sean Payton’s team has yet to sign an outside free agent this week, but plenty of re-signings have commenced. Denver has brought back linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad to go with tight ends Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins. Third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger is also returning. While the Broncos’ inactivity with regards to outside FAs is a bit unexpected — as the Russell Wilson contract is off the books during what will likely be **Bo Nix**‘s final rookie-contract year — the team is doing plenty to retain contributors from a 14-3 roster.
More to come.