BREAKING: Kansas City Chiefs Release Running Back Clyde Edwards-Helaire

In a surprising move, the Kansas City Chiefs have officially released running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The decision comes after weeks of speculation regarding Edwards-Helaire’s future with the team as the Chiefs continue to reshape their roster.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs’ first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, entered the league with high expectations following a stellar career at LSU. His impressive ability as a dual-threat back quickly made him a focal point in Kansas City’s offense, particularly during his rookie campaign. However, a combination of injuries and inconsistent performances in the following seasons limited his impact and availability.

A Promising Start That Fizzled Out

In his first season with the Chiefs, Edwards-Helaire showed flashes of brilliance, rushing for 803 yards and catching 36 passes for 297 yards. His quickness and versatility seemed tailor-made for Andy Reid’s offensive scheme, especially playing alongside star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Unfortunately, injuries began to take a toll. Over the past three seasons, Edwards-Helaire missed significant playing time due to ankle, knee, and hip issues, which disrupted his rhythm and prevented him from solidifying himself as the Chiefs’ go-to option in the backfield. In his absence, other players like Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon stepped up, proving their value and shifting the Chiefs’ priorities at running back.

Why the Chiefs Made the Move

With the emergence of Pacheco as the Chiefs’ primary running back and McKinnon excelling in a third-down role, Edwards-Helaire became expendable. Cutting ties with him now gives the Chiefs additional roster flexibility and could save cap space as they look to make further moves ahead of the season.

While Edwards-Helaire’s release may be seen as a tough decision, it reflects the reality of the NFL: production and health are key factors in a player’s longevity with a team.

What’s Next for Clyde Edwards-Helaire?

Despite the setbacks, Edwards-Helaire remains a talented and dynamic player who could still make an impact elsewhere. At just 25 years old, he brings experience, agility, and pass-catching ability to the table—qualities that could attract teams in need of a versatile back.

Teams searching for depth in their running back room, especially as injuries mount during the season, will likely give Edwards-Helaire a hard look. His potential to bounce back in a new system remains high, provided he can stay healthy.

The Chiefs Move Forward

For the Chiefs, this move underscores their confidence in their current backfield. Isiah Pacheco, with his hard-nosed running style and impressive burst, has solidified his role as the starter. Meanwhile, Jerick McKinnon’s versatility as a pass-catcher provides the perfect complement to Pacheco’s skillset.

Kansas City’s offense, one of the most dynamic and innovative in the NFL, remains in good hands as it continues to evolve.

Final Thoughts

The release of Clyde Edwards-Helaire marks the end of an era for the former first-rounder in Kansas City. While his time with the Chiefs didn’t go exactly as planned, he leaves with a Super Bowl ring and memorable performances under his belt.

As he looks for a fresh start, the NFL world will be watching closely to see where Edwards-Helaire lands next. For now, the Chiefs move forward with their sights firmly set on defending their championship and continuing their dominance in the league.