The Denver Broncos have a loaded running back room, and their impressive collection of talent forced them to cut Audric Estime. A former fifth-round pick, the Notre Dame product had a solid rookie season, appearing in 13 games while recording 310 yards and two touchdowns on 76 attempts (4.1 yards per attempt) with a respectable 62.3 PFF grade.
Unfortunately, the offseason additions of veteran J.K. Dobbins and second-round pick RJ Harvey made Estime expendable. While he may not be a starting-caliber back, he’s an impressive downhill runner who can be a valuable part of a committee. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports suggested the Broncos will try and retain him on the practice squad, but a team could easily put in a claim for the veteran.
Breaking: Broncos Cut Audric Estime – 3 Possible Suitors Emerge
Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have yet to find a proper complement to veteran running back Alvin Kamara. While Kamara is still one of the league’s better starters, he’s slowing down with age and shouldn’t be a 250-touch back at this stage in his career. However, with former third-round pick Kendre Miller underwhelming, New Orleans has had no choice but to funnel touches towards Kamara. Audric Estime could carve out a role with the Saints, as the recently cut running back’s physical, downhill style of play perfectly complements Kamara’s shiftier nature.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have the NFL’s worst collection of running backs by a wide margin, and things have only gotten worse since Jaydon Blue suffered an ankle injury. While Blue’s ankle injury isn’t serious, it only highlights the lack of talent on this roster. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are both well past their respective primes, and Blue might not be healthy enough to compete for the starting job. Audric Estime couldn’t beat out Williams in Denver, but perhaps the second-year running back can make the cut in a new environment.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have a decent running back in Isiah Pacheco, but the rest of the depth chart leaves something to be desired. Elijah Mitchell looked good as a rookie all those years ago, but hasn’t been able to stay healthy, while Kareem Hunt is aging, and Carson Steele couldn’t do much of anything last year. Audric Estime could make an immediate impact in this backfield, and Kansas City would probably love to steal an impact player from a division rival.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – Imagn Images
