Jaleel McLaughlin Hits Free Agency After Broncos Release

0:00On February 27, Gillil McLaughlin is hitting free agency after three seasons with the Denver Broncos. The team decided not to offer him a restricted free agent tender, letting the running back test the open market. This move comes after he spent his entire pro career so far in Denver. While they part ways for now, a resigning on a lower cost deal remains possible. McLaughlin earned a base salary of $1,030,000 last year, but a tender would have jumped to $3,550,000. That price tag likely factored into the Broncos' choice, especially with his injury-limited play. McLaughlin built an impressive resume coming out of small colleges, rushing for an NCAA record, $8,155 yards split. Between Notre Dame and Ohio and Youngstown State, undrafted in 2023 despite his five-foot-a-frame, he still earned a roster spot in average 5.4 yards per carry as a, rookie on 76 attempts, adding 31 catches and three touchdowns.

1:02In 2024, he stepped up with career best of 113 carries for 496 yards and three more scores even. As the starters struggled, but last season brought fewer chances, down to just 41 touches in eight games at 5.1 yards per carry, thanks to new additions. With Javante Williams now in Dallas and the Broncos investing in JK Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey, McLaughlin's role shrank further after Dobbins, late injury. He could draw interest elsewhere for his burst or return to Denver on friendlier terms, leaving both sides with flexible paths ahead.