Broncos Make Surprising Decision to Move On from Young Fan Favorite
The Denver Broncos made headlines recently by parting ways with a young player who had become a fan favorite — a decision that has left many scratching their heads. Despite being in a much better place as a team than they were just a couple of years ago, Denver’s latest roster move has raised questions about their future direction, particularly in the backfield.
Just two years ago, the Broncos were struggling to find stability, both on the field and within the organization. The hiring of veteran head coach Sean Payton, a proven winner with a Super Bowl title under his belt, marked a turning point. Payton’s first year at the helm did not yield immediate success, as the team failed to make the postseason. However, rather than tearing everything down, Denver remained patient and recalibrated their roster with Payton’s vision in mind. That strategy paid off, with the Broncos returning to playoff contention — a clear sign that things are trending in the right direction.
Still, as is often the case in the NFL, a more talented roster brings tougher decisions. One of those decisions appears to involve running back Jaleel McLaughlin, a 24-year-old who has shown flashes of potential during his first two seasons. While he was never the team’s workhorse, McLaughlin contributed efficiently when given the chance. In 2024, he posted 469 rushing yards and a touchdown on 113 carries, averaging an impressive 4.4 yards per attempt.
Despite his solid output, McLaughlin’s future with the team appears uncertain. According to a recent projection by Sporting News writer Travis Wakeman, McLaughlin may soon find himself off the roster. Wakeman speculated that the Broncos could look to trade the young back before ultimately deciding to release him, suggesting the move may be more about roster crunch than performance.
“To be clear, it would be a mistake for the Broncos to release Jaleel McLaughlin,” Wakeman wrote. “But it is an idea that many people are buying into.”
One of the main reasons for McLaughlin’s vulnerable position is the emergence of RJ Harvey, who is expected to take over as the Broncos’ lead back. In addition, second-year runner Audric Estime is anticipated to earn a significant workload, further crowding the depth chart. Behind them are Tyler Badie and Blake Watson, who are also fighting for spots. This leaves McLaughlin in a precarious situation — not due to a lack of ability, but rather because of the numbers game.
What makes this potential departure particularly confusing for fans is that the Broncos’ running back room, while deep, isn’t necessarily elite. None of the current backs have firmly established themselves as stars, which might suggest that keeping a proven, efficient option like McLaughlin would be prudent. However, the coaching staff may be prioritizing upside, physicality, or fit within Payton’s evolving offensive system.
McLaughlin’s roots as an underdog story — going undrafted and earning his spot through hard work and perseverance — made him a beloved figure in Denver. That connection with the fans only adds to the disappointment surrounding this potential move. While nothing is official yet, and a trade could still materialize, the writing appears to be on the wall.
For now, McLaughlin remains a Bronco. But given the current depth at the position and the team’s direction, his time in Denver may be coming to an end sooner than expected. If he is released or traded, he’ll likely attract interest from other teams looking for a reliable and explosive change-of-pace back.
Regardless of where he lands, McLaughlin’s journey has already proven that he belongs in the NFL — even if it may no longer be with the team that gave him his first shot.
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