Former Broncos Draft Pick Gets Good News After ‘Unusual’ Decision

The Denver Broncos are trimming their roster with the NFL deadline looming large on August 26, and 2024 fifth-round draft pick Audric Estime was among the casualties with training camp and the preseason in the rearview, per 9News’ Mike Kils on August 25.

Estime was one of four holdovers in the backfield from the 2024 season, but he was unable to avoid getting cut amid a revamped room.

However, Estime’s departure may not last long.

“He’ll be on waivers and it’ll be up to the other 31 teams in the league to determine if there’s a taker for him,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel wrote on August 26. “If he clears waivers, the Broncos have interest in getting him back on their practice squad, a source told The Post.”

The Broncos doubled up in the backfield this offseason, drafting RJ Harvey with the No. 60 overall pick and signing J.K. Dobbins in free agency.

They also still have Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie.

“Unusual to cut 5th-round pick from last year but Estime a workhorse-type back who is better on 12th carry than second,” Klis posted. “After adding Dobbins and Harvey, Estime didn’t fit No 3-back role like Badie and McLaughlin. Doesn’t mean Estime won’t be a good back in time.”

Whether or not Estime will still eventually get that opportunity as a member of the Broncos remains unclear.

Broncos Could Lose Audric Estime to Keen-Eyed Rival

Estime, taken No. 147 overall in last year’s draft, rushed for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns on 76 carries during the regular season. He was fourth on the team in attempts and yards gained. He was also a healthy scratch for the Broncos’ AFC Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills.

This offseason’s moves just exasperated Estime’s situation.

“Can confirm that #Broncos have cut RB Audric Estime. Their 2023 fifth-round pick heads to waiver wire,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans posted on X. “Finishes preseason with 86 rushing yds on 25 carries + a TD. Had his moments as a rookie last year but Denver’s backfield changed drastically from ‘24.”

The Broncos do have intentions on bringing Estime back on the practice squad, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson and Gabriel, which is good news for the bruising runner.

Broncos Cut Preseason ‘Star’

Estime was hardly alone in his Broncos exit. And while his was certainly an attention-grabber, rookie undrafted free agent wide receiver Kyrese Rowan. Gabriel first reported Rowan’s release, and Klis noted the youngster’s training camp stardom.

Rowan joins a lengthy list of Broncos cuts, which includes 2024 contributor Blake Watson, who received an injury settlement.

Denver officially announced seven cuts on Monday.

“The Broncos waived defensive back Micah Abraham, wide receiver Joaquin Davis, defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour, outside linebacker Andrew Farmer, tackle/guard Xavier Truss and guard Clay Webb,” DenverBroncos.com’s Aric DiLalla wrote on August 25. “The Broncos also waived cornerback Joshua Pickett with an injury settlement.”

Per DiLalla, the Broncos’ roster is at 83 players, but they also cut cornerback Damarri Mathis. The deadline for roster cuts is 4 PM ET.

The Broncos must wait until Wednesday to sign players like Estime to the practice squad.