Broncos GM Gives 'Bottom Line' on Waiving RB Audric Estime

Not long ago considered a potential 2025 starter, Estime quickly fell out of favor after the Broncos used their second-round pick on Harvey and paired him with the veteran Dobbins to form a 1A-1B in Payton's backfield. With McLaughlin also cementing a role, Estime was left to battle Badie and Blake Watson for the final seat in the room.

The Notre Dame product averaged less than three yards per carry in two straight preseason appearances, and despite a nice showing in the exhibition closer, Denver opted to part ways with Estime (and Watson), carrying Badie as RB4.

“Sometimes it’s a combination of things. I had a long visit with him today," Payton said of Estime on Tuesday. "His career is not by any chance over. That’s really not uncommon for a fifth-round selection. There’s also a credit to [RB Tyler] Badie’s experience, but also some of his versatility. Clearly when you add, and have the ability to sign a [RB J.K. Dobbins] and draft a [RJ] Harvey, that room changed immediately and the competition changed immediately.”

Estime landed on his feet after receiving his pink slip, signing a deal to join the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. But it's still an unmistakable tumble from grace for a player who only three months ago was promised "opportunities."

Tough business, the NFL.

“It’s hard to get four [RBs] up," Payton said Thursday. "Historically speaking in the years that I’ve coached, we haven’t been that just one back, all the downs. We’ve typically been two backs. Then you may have someone that does third down, but it’s hard to get four backs up. There are times where you do if there’s a vision in the kicking game. So generally speaking, I think you can feed two. They appreciate that because when you look at their career span, that can benefit them. So that’s kind of been my history, and I’m not saying it’s everyone else’s.”