The Denver Broncos are keeping their backfield intact, mirroring their approach at tight end. They've re-signed J.K.
Dobbins and brought Tyler Badie back on an exclusive-rights tender. Now, they've secured Jaleel McLaughlin with a one-year contract, despite not making a restricted free-agent tender earlier.
NFL Network first broke the news.
McLaughlin has shown his value with impressive efficiency, averaging over 5.0 yards per carry in two of his three seasons-5.4 as a rookie in 2023 and 5.1 last year. He was a consistent presence in his first two seasons, missing only one game. However, last year saw him inactive for nine games as the Broncos leaned on Dobbins, RJ Harvey, and Badie, with Badie taking the third-down duties due to his pass protection skills.
The tide turned when Dobbins suffered a Lisfranc injury, allowing McLaughlin to return for the last seven games and both playoff contests. While he finished third in rushing yards behind Dobbins and Harvey, McLaughlin led the pack in yards per carry.
McLaughlin's Impact Over Three Seasons
Though McLaughlin isn't an every-down back, his role as a change-of-pace option has been crucial since he entered the league as an undrafted rookie in 2023.
Here's how McLaughlin ranks among 99 running backs with at least 100 touches over the past three seasons:
- Yards per carry: 4.76, ranking 14th
- Rushing success rate: 52.5%, placing him 17th
- Rushing first-down rate: One every 4.72 attempts, 68th
- Broken-tackle rate: One every 13.88 attempts, 39th
- Yards after contact per attempt: 1.93, 59th
- Fumble rate: One every 301 touches, 18th
- Yards per reception: 4.34, 98th
- Receiving success rate: 35.6%, 85th
- Yards after the catch per reception: 8.28, 49th
- Drop rate: One every 16.25 catchable passes, 50th
- Total offensive success rate: 48.54%, 42nd
McLaughlin is known for his dedication, often arriving at team headquarters before dawn. This work ethic remained unwavering, even when he was sidelined for much of the early season, showcasing his readiness when the team needed him most.