Jaleel Mclaughlin

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		41	1,093	3	4.8
2025		8	187	1	5.1
2024		16	496	1	4.4
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Jaleel McLaughlin's one-year, $1.4M deal with the Broncos earns an A- CVI — this is a textbook steal for Denver. The undrafted back has carved out a legitimate role as a change-of-pace weapon despite being classified as a depth piece, offering explosive speed and pass-catching ability at barely above minimum salary. At just 24 years old, McLaughlin is entering his prime window while carrying virtually zero financial risk with only $100K guaranteed on a prove-it contract. The structure gives Denver maximum flexibility to either extend him if he continues developing or move on without penalty, making this the kind of low-cost, high-upside bet that championship rosters are built on. Sean Payton clearly sees untapped potential in McLaughlin's skill set, and at this price point, the Broncos are getting legitimate NFL production for replacement-level money.

Performance Analysis

Jaleel McLaughlin receives an F grade as a Broncos running back whose electric 2023 debut season gave way to diminishing returns. His 1,093 rushing yards and three touchdowns across 41 games sound productive, but the bulk of that came early in his career. The 59 receptions for 263 yards and four receiving touchdowns show legitimate receiving ability from the backfield. McLaughlin's 2025 season was limited to just eight games, a sharp decline from the 17 and 16 games in his first two years, suggesting he lost his role in Denver's backfield rotation. The undersized back showed real burst and vision early in his career, but the F grade reflects a player who has not been able to maintain his role as the competition around him intensified.

Fan Sentiment

A sensible depth retention move that keeps a fan-favorite change-of-pace back in Denver's backfield rotation. Multiple headlines confirm this re-signing was expected, signaling McLaughlin earned his roster spot. His 15-yard burst shown in practice highlights his explosiveness as a complementary piece. Fans love McLaughlin's shiftiness but wonder if he'll ever earn a true featured role. Expect him to fill a third-down and special teams role with limited carries in 2025.