NEW ORLEANS SNAGS EX-BRONCOS RB AUDRIC ESTIME TO BOLSTER BACKFIELD AFTER KENDRE MILLER’S SEASON-ENDING KNEE BLOWOUT
By L.J. Davenport | Crescent City Chronicle Sports | October 26, 2025
The New Orleans Saints have made a desperate — and potentially defining — midseason move, signing former Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime to a one-year deal following Kendre Miller’s devastating knee injury in Sunday’s 27–20 loss to the Buccaneers.
With their season spiraling to a 1–6 start and the offense looking lifeless behind a battered line, the Saints’ front office wasted no time targeting Estime, a bruising Notre Dame product known for his physical style and home-run potential.
The 23-year-old back, released by Denver just three weeks ago, flew into Louis Armstrong International late Monday and was on the practice field by sunrise Tuesday.
“We need juice. We need toughness. We think Audric can bring both,” head coach Dennis Allen said, his voice a mix of urgency and exhaustion. “He’s hungry. He’s got that chip — and right now, we need a few guys with chips on their shoulders.”
Estime, a 5’11”, 227-pound wrecking ball, showed flashes of brilliance in Denver’s preseason but never carved out a steady role behind Javonte Williams. Scouts praised his downhill running and surprising burst through contact, comparing him to a young Chris Ivory — another former Saint who made his mark with punishing runs and relentless energy.
With Kendre Miller’s knee “structurally compromised”— an MRI confirmed a full ACL tear and partial MCL damage — Estime slides into a backfield that has leaned heavily on Alvin Kamara, whose touches have ballooned to a concerning level.
The Saints hope Estime’s bruising style can complement Kamara’s finesse, giving the offense a more balanced punch heading into the second half of the season.
Fans are split on social media. Some see Estime as a potential savior — a spark to a stagnant offense that ranks 30th in rushing yards per game. Others call the move a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, pointing to the team’s struggling offensive line and quarterback inconsistency as deeper issues.
Still, the newcomer isn’t fazed. “I’ve been doubted before,” Estime said in his introductory presser, wearing a crisp Saints hoodie and a quiet smile. “I’m not here to talk about turning the season around — I’m here to run angry, move chains, and earn respect.”
The Saints face the division-leading Falcons this Sunday in a must-win showdown. Whether Estime becomes a late-season revelation or just another name on a long list of midseason signings will depend on how quickly he can adapt to Pete Carmichael’s offense — and how much heart this team has left to fight for.
For now, at least, hope has a new name in New Orleans — and it wears No. 34.