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Broncos Predicted to Cut Ties With Young Fan Favorite in Strange Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 27, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The Denver Broncos are loaded with talent now, a very impressive sign for an organization that was in a strange position just two years ago when they hired Sean Payton.

Payton, one of the top coaches in the NFL, completely revived this organization. The first season with him didn't go as planned, but instead of panicking, the Broncos retooled and made the playoffs.

While having talent is always a good thing, it also leads to some tough decisions, which could come for Jaleel McLaughlin, a 24-year-old running back who has had some decent moments throughout the first two years of his NFL career.

Searching for players who might be cut, Sporting News’ Travis Wakeman predicted that McLaughlin could be one of them, adding that the Broncos need to trade him before they eventually have to cut ties with him.

“To be clear, it would be a mistake for the Broncos to release Jaleel McLaughlin, but it is an idea that many people are buying.

“RJ Harvey appears to be the new No. 1 running back for the Broncos and Audric Estime figures to get plenty of work in year two. The only other running backs on the depth chart are Tyler Badie and Blake Watson, but McLaughlin could still be left on the outside looking in,” he wrote.

McLaughlin is coming off a season where he averaged 4.4 yards per carry on 113 attempts, good for 469 yards and one touchdown.

The Broncos' running back room isn't exactly great, and they could rely on the North Carolina native to get snaps.

However, despite not being great in the running back room, it's loaded with players. For that reason alone, the Broncos might not have much room for him to play.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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