Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Audric Estimé

Friday, February 27, 10:31 AM

The Denver Broncos are not tendering running back Jaleel McLaughlin, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. McLaughlin will hit the open market as a free agent next month, although it's believed that the Broncos would be interested in bringing him back for backfield depth. The 25-year-old former undrafted free agent combined for 189 carries, 906 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns in 33 regular-season games over the first two years of his career in Denver, adding 55 catches for 236 yards and four more touchdowns as a receiver. He only played in eight games in 2025, though, and had a career-low 37 rushing attempts for 187 yards and one touchdown, adding four catches for 27 yards. The Broncos will most likely add to their RB room alongside RJ Harvey this offseason, either through the draft or free agency, but McLaughlin won't be a priority.

Saturday, January 3, 12:14 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime delivered the best game of his career in last week's win over the Tennessee Titans, handling 14 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch (one target) for four yards. The Saints leaned more into the second-year back in Week 17 after giving tight end Taysom Hill 16 touches in the final home game of the season in Week 16. Estime broke off a 32-yard touchdown to essentially ice the game for the Saints, and he figures to be a key part of the offense in the season finale against the Falcons, with multiple starters ruled out, including Alvin Kamara (knee). The Falcons rank in the middle of the pack in PPR points per game allowed to running backs this season, but they concede the seventh-most yards per carry (4.6). Estime should be in line for around 15 touches, making him a viable flex option in Week 18.