The Philadelphia Eagles have little room to question their starting running back, Saquon Barkley, even amidst a down season. Fans paying attention understand that the scheme, timing of calls, and run blocking have all played a role in Barkley's step back this season. However, there has been a clear need for a more reliable backup to emerge, and it seems that the Eagles missed out on the perfect opportunity. Former Philly running back Audric Estime enjoyed a breakout weekend with the New Orleans Saints. The back had 14 carries for 94 yards and an eye-catching touchdown run.
There was violence with which the backup ran, bullying the opposing defense and making it clear he will be a part of the Saints' offseason plans. This is an unfortunate development for the Eagles, who had Estime on the practice squad as recently as October. The playmaker was originally a fifth-round pick with the Denver Broncos back in 2024.
After an underwhelming tenure with Denver, Estime was signed to Philly's practice squad at the end of the summer. The back was never truly given a chance, with the franchise moving on and protecting the roster spot of A.J. Dillon over giving Estime a look. This is a decision that is obviously aging very poorly for a team that could use a dose of the physicality and big-play ability that the jettisoned Estime so clearly brings.
Eagles Failed to See Potential Value of Surprise Week 17 Breakout Star Audric Estime
What makes the failure all the more frustrating is the fact that Estime's Week 17 performance included more carries and yardage than has been given to Dillon the entire season. It is odd that the Eagles remain so content wasting a roster spot on a player who has zero chance of working his way into the lineup.
Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley have far more trust from the coaching staff, and only further point to the fact that Estime shouldn't have been released. With the Eagles having the incredible stability of Barkley as well as two clear backup options, there was nothing to be lost by replacing a veteran with the unknown.
Regardless, it is nice to see the second-year back breathe life back into his career after appearing to be on his way out of the league. It would be surprising not to see the Saints retain the back as well as look to bolster an offense that has started to figure things out at the end of the 2025 season. For the Eagles, it is an example of a rare miss for decision makers and a player that fans unquestionably would love to have in Sunday's lineup.