After much speculation on the running back room this offseason, the Denver Broncos are officially signing running back JK Dobbins to a one-year deal. According to reports, the team is signing Dobbins to a contract as he will compete with rookie RJ Harvey for the starting position. Last season, even though the offense saw a ton of production from quarterback Bo Nix, the running back unit hadn’t been able to hold their own stomping grounds, so they let Javonte Williams walk in free agency and later signed with the Dallas Cowboys. After signing Dobbins, Adam Schefter predicts that Harvey and Dobbins will see most of the ball on the ground.
This spells bad news for 2024 draft pick Audric Estime, who may be on the trade block if they don’t see any production out of him. It’s hard to imagine that an NFL team could give up this quickly on a player, but since they have Jaleel McLaughlin, who has been putting in some promise, it puts Estime in a bad spot. Originally selected in the fifth round of last year’s draft, the former Notre Dame product is in danger of losing his roster spot, and with head coach Sean Payton’s positive comments about Tyler Badie, there might be no room for Estime to get a chance to shine anymore. It’s safe to assume that the Broncos will try to trade Estime as they seek a proven running back with on-field consistency.
Meanwhile, these four teams could take a chance on Estime.
Breaking: Could Broncos Recent JK Dobbins Signing Signal Audric Estime Trade? 4 Suitors Emerge
Possible Next Teams
Dallas Cowboys
After the recent acquisitions this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys still have one of the worst running back units in the league. Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams alone are washed up and probably won’t lead this team to a possible wild-card round. Meanwhile, 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue brings a lot of upside to support quarterback Dak Prescott, but he may not be ready for full-time duties. The Cowboys wouldn’t lose much if they traded for Estime since he’s still on a rookie deal.
New Orleans Saints
However, the New Orleans Saints will probably have to lean on the defense and the run game to win their matchups this season. The team doesn’t have a consistent or adequate signal-caller following Derek Carr’s retirement. Alvin Kamara is one of the best running backs to have probably played this game, but he might be slowing down due to age. After releasing Jamaal Williams, Estime may not be the best solution, but he could bring some possible insurance.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens offense has always been explosive for the past several seasons, and they’re only getting better with Derrick Henry, earning himself a contract extension. Just like Kamara, he is aging, and the team is betting their future on Keaton Mitchell. He hasn’t yet proven he can stay consistent, so they’re better off experimenting with more talent, and a trade for Estime might benefit even Lamar Jackson. The Broncos will never trade to Baltimore, but it’s hard to ignore the fit he has.
Los Angeles Chargers
Nobody believes in the run game more than head coach Jim Harbaugh. Omarion Hampton is the future of this running game, but Najee Harris might be a one-time, one-year done deal before he becomes a free agent next offseason, even though he just got here. If that happens, they could trade for Estime to continue building homegrown talent around quarterback Justin Herbert.
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