Browns Practice Squad Signing Could Make An Immediate Impact

Browns Practice Squad Signing Could Make An Immediate Impact

The Cleveland Browns have signed running back Jaleel McLaughlin to their practice squad. McLaughlin spent the past three seasons in Denver after going undrafted in the 2023 draft. He saw limited action in his rookie season, but the past two seasons took a step forward and had a much larger role in the Denver offense. 

McLaughlin’s College Career

McLaughlin started his college career at Division II Notre Dame College in Ohio. He spent two seasons there, where he totaled 4,737 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns. He eventually transferred to Youngstown State for his final three years of college, where he shined on the national level. McLaughlin rushed for 3,429 yards and 30 touchdowns. His career totals have him as the NCAA’s All-Time leading rusher between all divisions. The only downside for McLaughlin coming out of college was that he stands at 5 ‘7”, which made teams hesitant to draft him.

Undrafted Free Agent

McLaughlin went undrafted and the Broncos picked him up. He served as a solid change of pace back behind Javonte Williams for most of his tenure in Denver. He ended up leading all Broncos running backs with 5.4 yards per carry during his rookie season. McLaughlin saw success catching passes out of the backfield, displaying the shifty nature of his game. Unfortunately for McLaughlin, the 2026 running attack will be led by J.K. Dobbins and R.J Harvey. Denver cut the Youngstown alum before the 53-man roster was announced. 

Why Cleveland Can Use McLaughlin Immediately

The Cleveland Browns claimed McLaughlin this morning, giving the fourth-year running back a chance to return to the state that he played his entire college career in. The Browns have solid running back depth at the moment. Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson are the clear RB1 and RB2. However, McLaughlin can bring more to the table than current RB3 Raheim Sanders. Sanders is more of a short-yardage back. McLaughlin can be that and so much more, giving the offense the opportunity to throw the ball out of the backfield in a short-yardage situation.

Bringing speed and agility to the table, McLaughlin would give Cleveland a new type of back to deploy in their offense. He would also take the pressure off of the quarterback controversy that will eventually take place early in the season. Not to mention the playoff experience that McLaughlin brings. He was a real player in the Broncos recent success, and could bring that to the Browns. 

At this point in time, Cleveland has absolutely nothing to lose. The fans need something to be excited about. And a shifty back returning to a state that he knows so well, could be just the thing they need. Keeping McLaughlin on the practice squad would be a waste of both parties’ time.