Audric Estime on His Roster Battle: ‘I’ve Done Everything I Can, But It’s Not My Decision’

Audric Estime is no stranger to competition. As a second-year running back with the Denver Broncos, he finds himself in the middle of a highly competitive battle for a spot on the final 53-man roster. While the Broncos boast a talented roster, the running back position remains one of the most crowded, leaving Estime to navigate through one of the toughest situations in his football career.

Having shown promise during his rookie season, where he accumulated 310 yards and 2 touchdowns across 76 carries, Estime entered the 2025 preseason with high hopes. However, despite his solid performances, including a team-leading 45 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the preseason finale, Estime faces a tough road ahead. With the Broncos' stacked depth chart at running back, which includes veterans like J.K. Dobbins, and young talents like rookie RJ Harvey, Estime knows his spot is far from guaranteed.

In an interview after the preseason finale, Estime spoke about his mindset as he heads into the cutdown days. “I’ve put in the work, and I trust that whatever happens is for the best,” Estime said. “I believe I’ve done everything I can to make this team, but ultimately, it’s not my decision. I’ve got faith in the coaching staff, and I know that whatever comes next, I’ll be ready to contribute.”

Estime's perspective reflects the reality of being in a highly competitive NFL environment. He is aware of the tough decisions head coach Sean Payton and the coaching staff must make when trimming the roster. With so many talented players at the position, only a few will remain, and while Estime has shown flashes of brilliance, there are no guarantees in the NFL.

Estime's journey has not been without its challenges. As a fifth-round pick, he entered a crowded running back room with veterans like Dobbins and Jaleel McLaughlin already entrenched. Add to that the rise of rookie RJ Harvey, who is expected to play a significant role, and Estime finds himself fighting for one of the few remaining spots. Despite this, Estime’s determination shines through. His recent performance in the preseason, where he finished with 45 yards and a touchdown, proved that he still has what it takes to be a valuable asset to the Broncos.

Regardless of the outcome, Estime’s positive mindset and unwavering focus on improvement show his growth as both a player and an individual. He is focused on giving his best effort, knowing that whatever decision the coaching staff makes, it will ultimately be for the best.

As the Broncos head into the final roster cuts, the future of Audric Estime hangs in the balance. Whether or not he makes the final roster, it’s clear that his dedication to the game and his self-awareness make him a player worth keeping an eye on.