The Green Bay Packers remain uncertain about what they have in MarShawn Lloyd after he missed the entire 2025 season and has only six career carries and one reception. With limited production from Lloyd, the team is exploring options to find a dependable backup running back who can support starter Josh Jacobs and potentially surpass Lloyd on the depth chart. Their search has led them to consider a budget-friendly free agent who recently became available.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler,
The Broncos are not tendering running back Jaleel McLaughlin, per source. He will be a free agent.
Jaleel McLaughlin, enjoying an average of 4.8 yards per carry, suits the profile of the explosive runner the Packers desire behind Jacobs. Although Green Bay hopes Lloyd can develop into that reliable weapon, uncertainty persists until he returns to game action and proves his value.
Reasons Behind Jaleel McLaughlin’s Availability
Questions arise over why the Denver Broncos chose not to retain McLaughlin despite his strong efficiency. Former coach Sean Payton never maximized McLaughlin’s role as much as promised, while the organization appears to favor J.K. Dobbins, who could be cheaper by roughly $1 million through free agency. Denver’s backfield faces a crunch due to Bo Nix’s presence, making an overinvestment at running back unwise when the team has pressing needs elsewhere, particularly at wide receiver and on defense.
Packers Also Considering 2026 Draft Prospects for Running Back Depth
If the Packers decide against signing McLaughlin to challenge Lloyd, they are exploring other possibilities, including selecting a running back in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Packers Wire’s Brennen Rupp reported that
The Packers were one of 10 teams that met with Barika Kpeenu at the American Bowl,
describing him as a
Former track athlete… Could be a late Day 3 target.
Barika Kpeenu spent four years with North Dakota State Bison, steadily improving his production while logging more playing time. With an average exceeding five yards per carry in recent seasons against FCS defenses, Kpeenu offers the explosiveness Green Bay is seeking either as a replacement or a motivator for Lloyd, the former USC Trojan.
Pressure Mounts on Packers Leadership to Resolve Running Back Concerns
Heading into the offseason, general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur face mounting pressure to make decisive moves that no longer rely on Lloyd as a significant contributor. Both leaders have reason to be anxious, considering the history of setbacks related to the running back position. The decisions they make this offseason about strengthening the Packers’ backfield will have important implications for the team’s competitiveness moving forward.
The Broncos are not tendering running back Jaleel McLaughlin, per source. He will be a free agent.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 27, 2026
Per source, the Packers were one of 10 teams that met with Barika Kpeenu at the American Bowl.
Former track athlete. He forced 31 missed tackles this past season and had 567 yards after contact.
Could be a late Day 3 target. https://t.co/Gxds5lg2ns
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) February 19, 2026
