The Cleveland Browns continue to manipulate their roster coming out of the NFL deadline on Sunday. It is an important time for every team in the league, but even more so for the Browns, who can take advantage of the post-cut process to further enhance their rebuilding effort.
Cleveland had a competition for its third running back spot during the preseason, with Raheim Sanders getting the nod over Ahmani Marshall and Davon Booth. Now, they are adding a veteran running back to their practice squad.
According to insider Tony Grossi, the Browns are signing Jaleel McLaughlin, who was recently let go by the Denver Broncos.
“Browns have signed RB Jaleel McLaughlin to their practice squad. A 4-year vet released by Denver,” Grossi posted.
Browns have signed RB Jaleel McLaughlin to their practice squad. A 4yr vet released by Denver.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) September 1, 2026
After joining the Broncos in 2023 as an undrafted free agent, McLaughlin made the team with some good preseason performances. In fact, Denver was afraid to leave him off the 53-man roster for fear he would get claimed by someone else.
He proved to be a very useful player, posting 906 rushing yards and 55 receptions in his first two seasons. However, after playing in 33 games, he was limited to eight last year and was released in favor of Tyler Badie as Denver’s fourth running back.
Broncos general manager George Paton called it the toughest cut the team made on Sunday. Now, the Browns will be looking to take advantage of the move.
With Sanders more in the mold of starting running back Quinshon Judkins as strong inside the tackle runners, McLaughlin is likely seen as a potential substitute for pass-catching back Dylan Sampson. This way, the Browns have useful replacements if either of their top two backs gets injured, with blocking fullback Michael Burton also part of the position group.
The Browns did not add any running back to the practice squad in their first wave of signings on Monday. That includes not bringing back Marshall or Booth, who both remain on the market.
Praised for his work ethic, McLaughlin should also provide some veteran leadership to a very young collection of Browns running backs.
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