Updated Feb. 27, 2026, 2:37 p.m. MT
The Denver Broncos have declined to place a one-year, $3.547 million restricted free agent tender on Jaleel McLaughlin, but another running back is expected to receive a tender before free agency begins.
While it’s not official yet, the Broncos appear poised to place a one-year, $1.075 million exclusive rights free agent tender on Tyler Badie, according to a report from the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson.
Badie (5-8, 197 pounds) beat out McLaughlin for third-string running back duties last summer, primarily thanks to his ability as a pass-blocker. McLaughlin was inactive for most of the first half of the season and did not become involved on offense until after J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury.
Badie has been with the Broncos since 2022. After spending most of his first two seasons on the practice squad, Badie missed most of the 2024 campaign with a back injury. He returned last year and dressed for 16 games, rushing eight times for 23 yards while adding 19 receptions for 141 yards.
If Badie does receive an ERFA tender as expected, he would become the team’s fourth running back under contract for 2026, joining RJ Harvey, Cody Schrader and Deuce Vaughn.
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