The Denver Broncos have some work to do this offseason, and while there will be a focus on the tight end and wide receiver rooms, along with a few defensive positions, the top priority might be the running back room.
RJ Harvey is the current lead back, but with J.K. Dobbins hitting free agency, the Broncos need to add a running mate for the 2025 draft pick this offseason.
However, there’s more the Broncos will need to do now. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Broncos have made a contract decision on backup running back Jaleel McLaughlin, as the career 1,093-yard rusher is set to hit free agency now.
Broncos make contract decision on Jaleel McLaughlin
“The Broncos are not tendering running back Jaleel McLaughlin, per source. He will be a free agent,” Fowler reports.
McLaughlin is a 25-year-old running back who has been with the Broncos for the last three seasons, and this past year, his role saw a significant regression.
He ran the ball 37 times for 187 yards and one touchdown in just eight games. He also caught just four passes for 27 yards. Compared to his previous production in 2023 and 2024, this past season was a big step back.
McLaughlin had at least 400 rushing yards (410 and 496) the last two seasons. He had one rushing touchdown in both of those seasons.
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But as a receiver, he went 31 catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns in 2023, and 24 catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns in 2024.
In the playoffs this past season, with Dobbins out due to an injury, McLaughlin ran the ball eight times for 32 yards and added two receiving yards on one catch.
The undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame will hit free agency after the Broncos didn’t tender his contract. McLaughlin will have a chance to sign with a new team after three years in Denver.