In a sly move that’s turning heads in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles have swooped in to sign former Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime to their practice squad, according to 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis and other reports. The defending champions wasted no time securing the talented young player after it became clear that Estime’s days in Denver were numbered, giving him a fresh start in the City of Brotherly Love.
Estime, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, arrived at the Broncos with high expectations and plenty of buzz surrounding his potential. The former Notre Dame standout was poised to make an impact during his rookie season, with fans and analysts eager to see his explosive running style in action. However, the opportunity to shine never fully materialized. Estime struggled to carve out a significant role in Denver’s backfield and was notably a healthy scratch for the Broncos’ wildcard playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. His stock took another hit when the team bolstered its running back room with the additions of veteran J.K. Dobbins and second-round draft pick R.J. Harvey, leaving Estime at the bottom of the depth chart during training camp and the preseason.
The writing was on the wall for Estime in Denver. Head coach Sean Payton’s comments following Estime’s release spoke volumes about the shifting dynamics in the Broncos’ backfield. “Sometimes it’s a combination of things,” Payton said. “I had a long visit with him today. 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.” Payton’s words, while encouraging about Estime’s future, made it clear that the young running back’s path to playing time in Denver had become obstructed.
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With Estime waived by the Broncos, the Eagles saw an opportunity to add a high-upside player to their roster. Philadelphia’s running back room, led by superstar Saquon Barkley, is already stacked with talent, but Estime’s addition to the practice squad provides valuable depth and a potential long-term asset. The 22-year-old brings a hard-nosed running style and untapped potential that could thrive under the Eagles’ coaching staff, known for developing young talent.
Meanwhile, the Broncos find themselves in a curious position. With four running backs on their 53-man roster—Javonte Williams, J.K. Dobbins, R.J. Harvey, and Tyler Badie—they lack an obvious practice squad candidate to fill Estime’s void. The team recently waived rookie Blake Watson with an injury settlement due to a knee injury, leaving them without a clear option to bolster their depth. It remains to be seen how Denver will address this gap, but the loss of Estime could sting if he blossoms in Philadelphia.
For Estime, this move to the Eagles represents a golden opportunity to reset and grow. While he’ll start on the practice squad, he’ll have the chance to learn from one of the league’s premier running backs in Barkley and develop within a winning culture. The Eagles’ savvy acquisition of Estime could prove to be a steal, as they’ve nabbed a player with the raw talent to become a contributor down the line. For now, Philadelphia’s front office deserves a nod for pulling off this under-the-radar move, quietly strengthening their roster while leaving the Broncos to ponder what might have been.