Saints Claim Audric Estime off Waivers
New Orleans added the former Browns running back after Cleveland released him on Monday.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
The New Orleans Saints claimed running back Audric Estime off waivers on Tuesday, a day after the Cleveland Browns waived him. Estime, in his third NFL season, previously played for the Broncos, Eagles, Saints and Vikings.
Why it matters
The move adds a depth running back to the Saints roster ahead of a Sunday matchup with the Browns in New Orleans. For local fans, it is a roster change that could affect the backfield rotation.
Estime recorded nine carries for 19 yards and one rushing touchdown in his one appearance with Cleveland. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame.
The players
Audric Estime
A running back drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, now in his third NFL season.
New Orleans Saints
An NFL franchise based in New Orleans that claimed Estime off waivers.
Cleveland Browns
An NFL franchise based in Cleveland that signed and then waived Estime this week.
The details
The Browns signed Estime on Oct. 13 off the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, then waived him on Monday. The Saints claimed him off waivers Tuesday, and the teams meet at 1 p.m. Sunday in New Orleans.
Timeline
Oct. 13: Browns sign Estime off the Vikings practice squad.
Monday, Nov. 2: Browns waive Estime.
Tuesday, Nov. 3: Saints claim Estime off waivers.
Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m.: Browns visit the Saints in New Orleans.
Season Trajectory
Estime's path through four NFL rosters in three seasons reflects how teams use the waiver wire to fill running back depth during the season. The Saints' claim adds a body to a backfield competing for snaps as the season moves toward its midpoint.
The claim gives the Saints an additional running back option for Sunday's game against Cleveland. Fantasy managers tracking Saints backfield usage should watch the depth chart before kickoff.
The takeaway
Practice-squad and waiver moves like this one can change a backfield quickly, so checking the official depth chart before game day gives the clearest picture of a player's role.
What happens next
The Browns visit the Saints at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, in New Orleans, the first game following Estime's claim.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see the Football section.
