The Kansas City Chiefs have made the difficult decision to part ways with running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a two-time Super Bowl champion who was once a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Edwards-Helaire’s release marks the end of a turbulent journey with the Chiefs, where he began with much promise but ultimately became a forgotten man in their offense.
Edwards-Helaire entered the league with high expectations after being selected as the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 draft. The Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, had just secured a Super Bowl victory, and the addition of a dynamic running back like Edwards-Helaire seemed like the perfect way to further elevate their offense. In his rookie season, he showed flashes of brilliance, rushing for over 800 yards and adding another 297 yards through the air, while also scoring five total touchdowns. His strong start had many believing that he could become a key piece in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
However, the following seasons were a different story. Edwards-Helaire struggled to maintain his early success, battling injuries and a decline in his role on the team. By the 2023 season, he found himself buried on the depth chart, with Isaiah Pacheco emerging as the Chiefs’ lead back. Edwards-Helaire’s production continued to dwindle, and he finished the 2024 season as a non-factor in the offense, often being listed as inactive on game days.
The Chiefs’ decision to cut Edwards-Helaire was not made in haste. He had fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, and his role had become increasingly irrelevant as the team focused on other options in the backfield. Despite his struggles, Edwards-Helaire has remained a popular figure in the Chiefs’ locker room, having contributed to the team’s Super Bowl LV and LVIII victories. Yet, his inability to make an impact on the field in recent seasons led to his departure from the team.
At just 25 years old, Edwards-Helaire still has time to revive his career elsewhere. His talents and potential have not vanished, and many believe that with the right opportunity and system, he could still become a productive back in the NFL. For the Chiefs, however, cutting ties with Edwards-Helaire was a necessary move as they continue to adjust their roster to remain competitive in a tough AFC.
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