McLaughlin played college football at Illinois.[2] During his time with the Fighting Illini, McLaughlin went 79 for 79 on extra point attempts, and his senior year was 4 for 6 on field goals beyond 50 yards.[3] Originally a walk-on, McLaughlin ended his college career as the 2019 Bakken–Andersen Kicker of the Year award winner and a First-team All-Big Ten Conference selection.[4] During a 2018 game against USF, McLaughlin became the first Illinois kicker to score field goals of 50 plus yards in three consecutive games.[5] McLaughlin later achieved a school record five 50-plus yard field goals.[6]
McLaughlin signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on October 1, 2019. The move was to cover for injured Chargers kicker Michael Badgley, and to give relief to Chargers punter Ty Long, who had assumed kicking duties.[12] McLaughlin was waived on October 29.[13]
San Francisco 49ers
McLaughlin signed with the San Francisco 49ers on November 7, 2019, after kicker Robbie Gould injured his quad.[14] During a Week 10 27–24 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, McLaughlin made three of four field goals. Although he made a 47-yard kick with one second left in regulation to tie the game, McLaughlin's missed field goal occurred in overtime and would have given San Francisco the victory.[15] He was waived on December 3.
Indianapolis Colts (first stint)
On December 4, 2019, McLaughlin was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts due to an injury to longtime starter Adam Vinatieri.[16] On December 30, 2019, McLaughlin was signed to a one-year extension through 2020.
On September 5, 2020, McLaughlin was waived by the Colts during final roster cuts.[17]
Minnesota Vikings (second stint)
On September 8, 2020, McLaughlin was signed to the Vikings practice squad.[18]
Jacksonville Jaguars
On November 10, 2020, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed McLaughlin off of the Vikings' practice squad to fill in for the injured Josh Lambo.[19] McLaughlin was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 24,[20] and activated six days later.[21] McLaughlin was waived by the Jaguars after they promoted Aldrick Rosas to the active roster on December 12.[22]
New York Jets
On December 14, 2020, McLaughlin was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets.[23] On January 2, 2021, McLaughlin was promoted to full-time starter after the Jets' decision to cut Sam Ficken.
McLaughlin was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns on May 10, 2021.[25] In Week 3 against the Chicago Bears, McLaughlin made all four field goal attempts, including a 57-yarder, as well as both of his extra points.[26] In the 2021 season, McLaughlin finished converting 36 of 37 extra point attempts and 15 of 21 field goal attempts.[27]
On April 5, 2022, McLaughlin re-signed with the Browns.[28] He was waived on May 2.[29]
Indianapolis Colts (second stint)
McLaughlin signed with the practice squad of the Colts on September 13, 2022, after the team released Rodrigo Blankenship.[30] He was promoted to the active roster on October 4.[31] In Week 5, McLaughlin made all four field goals, including two over 50 yards, in a 12–9 overtime road victory over the Denver Broncos, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.[32] He finished the 2022 season converting all 21 extra point attempts and 30 of 36 field goal attempts.[33]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On March 30, 2023, McLaughlin signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[34] He was named the Buccaneers' placekicker at the start of the 2023 season following the release of Rodrigo Blankenship.[35]
On March 11, 2024, McLaughlin signed a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension with the Buccaneers.[36]
_(cropped).jpg)