After a mediocre running game last year, the Denver Broncos might have to move on from at least one running back, and that could be Jaleel McLaughlin, facing a possible cut. According to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, the Broncos have a logjam in their running back room, so now they could be planning on releasing at least one backfield piece before the 2025 regular season. Most of the battle has been between veteran JK Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey, while McLaughlin and Audric Estime are at the bottom of the depth chart. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2023, it was looking like McLaughlin would have some type of starter role in his first season, but after recording just 410 yards on 76 carries, the Broncos are continuing to explore to find their consistent running back.
Denver did well last year, making it to the wildcard this past January despite the mediocre run game, so it will be interesting to see how the team will treat the guys in the backfield. Unfortunately, McLaughlin is the odd man out in this situation, and it doesn’t mean he’s a terrible running back by any means; he might benefit elsewhere that needs depth. With Dobbins and Harvey as roster locks, these four teams could pursue McLaughlin on a low-stakes contract that could hopefully put him back in the right place to finally break out.
Report: Broncos Undrafted Bust Jaleel McLaughlin Could Be Cut Before 2025 Campaign – 4 Potential Fits
Possible Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
The Broncos would never allow any of their talent to land in Kansas City, but since the Broncos have no use for McLaughlin, it wouldn’t be up to Denver anymore. Isiah Pacheco is only a fine starter if he can stay healthy, but the Chiefs could use some improvement. While he can break tackles and make efficient plays to move the chains, Pacheco still finds himself under a microscope of whether or not he lands a new contract next offseason. McLaughlin might never start as long as Pacheco and veteran Kareem Hunt are on this team, but it should give them a potential upbeat runner behind one of the best offensive lines in the league.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have yet to figure out who will step up in the run game. Between Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, it feels like they could be an upgrade to help Jayden Daniels with more of a long-term running back. These two are above average, but nothing explosive. McLaughlin is no different, but they could sign him to see what he could do in the backfield behind one of the oldest offensive rosters in the league.
New Orleans Saints
Just like the quarterback room, the New Orleans Saints have one of the worst running back units, except for Alvin Kamara. No one should expect Cam Akers or Clyde Edwards-Helaire to step up to the plate to Kamara’s level. McLaughlin will never start for this unit, but he could receive some rotating snaps to potentially get more snaps if he can impress.
Dallas Cowboys
Similar to the Saints, the Dallas Cowboys have the worst running back room in the league. They have to do better than Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, who are past their prime, right? 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue is the only one who could turn remarkable, but McLaughlin could join this unit to give Dallas another body to work with.
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