DEAL COMPLETED: Broncos Officially Sign Chiefs’ Gunslinger RB to Replace Audric Estime Ahead of NFL Draft……
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DEAL COMPLETED: Broncos Officially Sign Chiefs’ Gunslinger RB to Replace Audric Estime Ahead of NFL Draft
As NFL teams continue to make last-minute moves to solidify their rosters ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos made headlines with a surprising and strategic acquisition. The Broncos have officially signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a move widely seen as a direct replacement for Audric Estime, who has been dealing with injury concerns and inconsistency during offseason workouts.
This transaction not only shakes up the Broncos’ running back depth chart but also sends a strong message to the rest of the AFC West: Denver is serious about retooling its offense and becoming competitive once again.
The Fallout with Estime
Audric Estime, the former Notre Dame standout, was selected by the Broncos in the 2024 NFL Draft with high hopes. Known for his physical downhill running and burst at the line of scrimmage, Estime showed flashes of potential in his rookie season but was hampered by lingering injuries and a lack of consistency. Though the Broncos were initially committed to developing Estime as their lead back, concerns about his long-term durability and his fit in offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system began to grow.
Reports from inside the organization suggest that Estime’s performance in offseason workouts and conditioning programs failed to meet expectations. That opened the door for Denver to explore other options—preferably a more experienced, versatile back who could provide immediate production.
Enter Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a former first-round pick of the Chiefs in 2020, brings with him a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree. Though he fell out of favor in Kansas City’s backfield rotation in recent seasons, his talent was never in question. Often referred to as a “gunslinger running back” due to his dynamic ability to catch passes and make plays in space, Edwards-Helaire is the kind of dual-threat back Denver’s offense has lacked in recent years.
During his time with the Chiefs, Edwards-Helaire totaled over 2,000 rushing yards and 1,200 receiving yards, along with 21 total touchdowns. While he wasn’t always the lead back due to injuries and the emergence of Isiah Pacheco, he remained a valuable contributor in Andy Reid’s high-powered offense.
Now, with a fresh start in Denver, he has the opportunity to take on a featured role once again. Sources say the Broncos envision him as a “1A” back, capable of carrying the load on the ground while also serving as a key safety valve in the passing game for whichever quarterback wins the starting job in 2025.
Why the Move Makes Sense
From a strategic standpoint, the signing is a low-risk, high-reward move. Edwards-Helaire arrives on a team-friendly one-year deal with incentives tied to performance and availability. This allows the Broncos flexibility while adding a proven contributor to an offense that ranked 24th in rushing yards last season.
Additionally, the move allows Denver to enter the draft with greater freedom. While running back was previously viewed as a potential Day 2 target, the addition of Edwards-Helaire reduces the urgency to select one early. This opens up the possibility for Denver to focus on bolstering other areas of need, such as the offensive line, wide receiver depth, and the secondary.
Head coach Sean Payton has been vocal about wanting more versatility and explosiveness on offense, and Edwards-Helaire fits that bill. His ability to line up in multiple formations and contribute in both the run and pass game mirrors the kind of back Payton successfully utilized in New Orleans with Alvin Kamara.
Reaction from Around the League
The signing has generated plenty of buzz across the NFL. Analysts praised the Broncos for making a smart, calculated decision without overpaying. Former NFL GM and ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum commented, “This is a classic Sean Payton move. Clyde may not have lived up to first-round expectations in Kansas City, but in the right system, he can still be a difference-maker.”
On social media, Broncos fans largely reacted positively, seeing the move as an indication that the front office is actively trying to correct past draft mistakes and upgrade the roster ahead of a critical season.
Meanwhile, Chiefs fans expressed mixed emotions. While Edwards-Helaire was not expected to return to Kansas City, seeing him land within the division has sparked debate. Some fans wished him well and appreciated his contributions during the Super Bowl runs, while others are skeptical he’ll have the same impact in Denver.
What This Means for the Draft
With the Edwards-Helaire signing finalized, the Broncos now have more clarity heading into the draft. They hold the 12th overall pick in the first round and are widely believed to be targeting either a quarterback or a top-tier offensive lineman.
By addressing the running back situation before the draft, Denver has effectively checked off a major need. This allows their scouting department to focus more heavily on positional value rather than desperation.
It also likely means Audric Estime will slide down the depth chart or potentially be moved before or during the draft. While the Broncos haven’t publicly discussed his status, it’s clear the team’s confidence in him has waned.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos’ acquisition of Clyde Edwards-Helaire marks a savvy, forward-thinking move at a critical juncture. By bringing in a seasoned playmaker to replace a struggling young back, Denver is taking clear steps to reshape its offense and build a more competitive roster heading into the 2025 season.
Only time will tell if Edwards-Helaire can recapture the form that made him a first-round pick, but for now, the Broncos’ backfield just got a major upgrade—and they’re not done yet.
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