The Denver Broncos signed Fort Valley State state running back Emanuel Wilson as an undrafted free agent last May.
Denver also brought in Jaleel McLaughlin, who broke multiple records in college. Following rookie minicamp, the Broncos needed to make room for their XFL signings, so they had to choose between Wilson and McLaughlin at running back.
Denver opted to keep McLaughlin, and Wilson was waived just three days after joining the team.
Wilson quickly landed on his feet, joining the Green Bay Packers one week after being cut by the Broncos. Wilson went on to make Green Bay’s 53-man roster and he served as a third-string backup for about half of the 2023 season (the other half was spent on injured reserve).
McLaughlin, meanwhile, made Denver’s active roster and totaled 570 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns last fall. The Broncos’ decision seemingly worked out well for everyone as McLaughlin performed well in Denver and Wilson was able to make another team’s 53-man squad.
Wilson is now once again competing for a roster spot after the Packers added Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd this offseason. Wilson will return to Denver to play against the Broncos in Week 2 of preseason on Sunday night.
