One of the consistent frustrations for the Kansas City Chiefs' offense throughout the 2025 season was a lack of stability in the run game. While running back Kareem Hunt was far more productive than expected, the aging RB is far from an elite starting option at this stage of his career. Rookie Brashard Smith underwhelmed in what few opportunities he was given, and Isiah Pacheco couldn't manage to offer four yards per carry.
The Chiefs attempted a few backfield fixes in the form of using practice squad spots on Elijah Mitchell and Dameon Pierce that went nowhere. Meanwhile, the perfect fit was right in front of them.
Former Denver Broncos RB Audric Estime enjoyed a breakout game on Sunday for the New Orleans Saints, rushing for 94yards and a touchdown on only 14 carries. The back ran with an incredible level of physicality and energy, looking to be the exact style of player the K.C. backfield has been missing.
Estime was playing within the AFC West as a Broncos draft pick a season ago, giving the Chiefs a bit of insight, but Estime was released and signed a practice squad deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Saints, giving the Chiefs every opportunity to steal him. Instead, they opted to waste opportunities on Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Mitchell, and Pierce.
Audric Estime Was a Missed Opportunity for the Chiefs
Not only did the Chiefs opt to add this trio of underwhelming players, but none were given a true chance in the lineup despite the team's struggles. This was especially the case for Mitchell, who was eventually granted his release after spending much of the 2025 season inactive. It goes without saying that Chiefs fans would've preferred for that spot to have been used on Estime.
While it is important to note that the pressure of playing in New Orleans compared to Kansas City is far different, it is hard to imagine Estime's style not having success. The back is only 22 and appears to have a bright future if Sunday's game was any indication. He's now averaging 5.4 yards on 135 carries this season, which would easily make him the most productive RB on the Chiefs.
Estime is signed with the Saints through 2026, so the Chiefs won't have a chance to right their wrong this offseason. Having said that, they might want to keep an eye on him when he hits the open market in 2027, at least, that is, if general manager Brett Veach can't solve Kansas City's backfield problems before then.
Still, this doesn't lessen the frustration with a lost 2025 season with Kansas City wasting practice squad spots on RBs it never intended to utilize. While this is understandable at other positions, the running back situation consistently worsened and should've motivated the Chiefs to find any answer.
Instead, they wasted roster spots and time, all while Estime proved he could've been the solution to their ongoing woes.