McLaughlin comes to the Chargers from the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. McLaughlin originally signed with the Buffalo Bills this past offseason as an undrafted free agent. The Big Ten Kicker of the Year at Illinois converted 74.6-percent (44-of-59) of his career field goal attempts and all 79 of his extra-point tries. During his senior campaign, McLaughlin led the Big Ten and was 25th in FBS in points scored (96) during the regular season. The Cypress, Texas native was tied for the FBS lead with nine 40+ field goals made during the regular season and was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist.