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Broncos' Running Back is a Shocking Cut Candidate Ahead of Training Camp

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thomas Valentine | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 4:01 PM ET

The Denver Broncos outperformed all expectations in 2024. The team was predicted to be potential basement dwellers in the AFC West while trying to acclimate first-round pick Bo Nix into life in the NFL. Instead, the team finished with a 10-7 record and made the postseason for the first time since 2015.

The offense, with Nix under center, found its groove as the season progressed, and Nix completed 66.3% of his passes for 3775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, proving that he has the chops to be the Broncos' next franchise quarterback. The bar has been raised in 2025.

The front office improved the roster in free agency and the draft, adding RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins to help improve a rushing attack that averaged 112.2 rushing yards per game in 2024, the 16th-most in the NFL. Those additions have put one player on the periphery of the roster.

Per Jacob Infante of PFSN, running back Jaleel McLaughlin enters training camp as a potential cut candidate for the Broncos. McLaughlin was an undrafted free agent for the Broncos in 2023 and has carved out a role for himself in Sean Payton’s offense, but that’s under threat.

“Who’s going to be the odd man out in the Denver Broncos’ backfield? It won’t be RJ Harvey, seeing as though they just used a second-round pick on him,” Infante writes. “It probably won’t be JK Dobbins, as he just had 905 yards and nine touchdowns last season. That leaves either Audric Estime or Jaleel McLaughlin as a potential cut candidate.”

McLaughlin carried the ball 113 times for 496 yards and a touchdown in 2024, adding 24 catches for 76 yards and two receiving touchdowns. His ability as a pass-catcher has helped him make a name for himself on the roster, but the additions of Dobbins and Harvey undoubtedly push him down the pecking order.

“It’s a good problem to have too many solid backs, but it’s one that could affect McLaughlin in the end,” Infante adds. “Though he has the speed and receiving advantage over Estime, the latter is three years younger, has more special teams experience and brings more power in between the tackles.”

If McLaughlin is the odd man out, he’ll likely find playing time somewhere else in the NFL. Sean Payton remains a fan of the former Notre Dame running back, though, so there’s still a chance he sticks on the roster.

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

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