The Denver Broncos will have an interesting competition at the running back spot this summer, leading many to speculate that a trade could be made. Those talks multiplied after the team signed J.K. Dobbins last week.
All summer, trade predictions will continue to pour in until final roster cuts are made. The popular choices for the Broncos to deal are Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin. Both players are good enough to be on this year’s team, but the Broncos may not have room to keep them both. Instead of cutting one, the Broncos could look to get something in return.
Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports feels that the addition of Dobbins will lead the team to trading McLaughlin.
“McLaughlin has the highest chance to become at least a No. 2 running back with the Broncos, but since he adds a ton of value, the Broncos may trade him to get some draft capital in return. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2023, the former Youngstown State product has a real success story, making the 53-man roster that campaign and recording 76 carries for 410 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. These aren’t the best numbers, but they show some potential that he might have. However, this might not be enough for the Broncos to keep him, so these five teams could pursue McLaughlin”, wrote Palacios.
He lists the Saints, Panthers, Commanders, Ravens and interestingly, the Chargers as teams that could potentially acquire McLaughlin.
While the Broncos could certainly opt to seek a deal for McLaughlin, the idea that he adds a “ton of value”, as Palacios describes, would likely not translate to much of a return. As an undrafted player just two seasons ago, the Broncos would likely fetch nothing more than a seventh-round pick in a trade. Still, that’s better than nothing.
McLaughlin has been a terrific change-of-pace running back for the Broncos over the last two seasons. He has rushed for 906 yards and averaged nearly five yards per carry in his career. Additionally, he has 55 receptions. It would be tough for the Broncos to move on from McLaughlin, but when there are only 53 roster spots, some difficult decisions have to be made.
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