Running back Audric Estime wasn’t on an active NFL roster in 2025 until the New Orleans Saints signed him in late October. A fifth round choice in the 2024 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos out of Notre Dame, Estime had a combined 2,261 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns over his last two seasons with the Fighting Irish. As a rookie in Denver, Estime had 310 rushing yards and two scores as a backup.
Estime was cut by the Broncos at the end of last preseason. He was picked up immediately by the Philadelphia Eagles for their practice squad, but was not brought up to their active roster within the first six weeks. Philadelphia released him in mid-October, but the Saints picked him up for their practice squad. By the end of the year, Estime was the only viable backfield option for the Saints.
Audric Estime Year in Review
- Position: Running back
- Age: 22
- Height: 5-feet, 11 inches
- Weight: 227 pounds
- NFL experience: 2 years (1st with Saints)
- 2025 season: 7 games (1 start)
Signed to their practice squad on October 21, the Saints were only looking at Estime for backfield insurance. Injuries ravaged the position at an unbelievable rate, however, causing New Orleans to elevate Estime to the active roster by November 5. A season-ending injury to Kendre Miller in Week 7 and injuries to Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal down the stretch prompted Estime getting moved up the depth chart rapidly.
Estime got just three touches in his first three games as a Saint, but would see a bigger workload as the backfield continued to be decimated. Against Carolina in Week 15, he’d catch 3 passes for 39 yards and added 11 rushing yards. The following week against the Jets, Estime picked up 36 yards from scrimmage. It wasn’t big production, but he at least provided something from a Saints backfield that struggled much of the 2025 season.
Over the last three weeks, Estime led all running backs in snaps by a wide margin. He’d have the best game of his short career at the Tennessee Titans in Week 17 with 94 rushing yards. It was the second highest rushing total for a Saints back all year. Estime followed that up with 63 rushing yards against Atlanta in the season finale, adding 43 receiving yards on 5 catches. It was the second highest rushing production of Estime’s career, with the 106 total yards and 5 receptions being a career-high.
Audric Estime provided a much-needed spark for the New Orleans backfield over the last few games when there was essentially nobody left to do so. The Saints will likely add another running back this offseason to share snaps with Kamara and rookie Devin Neal looked good in limited appearances. However, Estime certainly showed that he can be a factor on the 2026 Saints running back depth chart for head coach Kellen Moore.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints 2025 Year in Review: Audric Estime was much-needed spark at RB