The Kansas City Chiefs are attempting to keep as many important players for a chance at winning a Super Bowl for the third time in a row. However, the running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was not expected to be included in that plan.
The Chiefs’ first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft is widely seen as a disappointment. After Kansas City turned down Edwards-Helaire’s $5.46 million fifth-year option and confirmed Isiah Pacheco as their top back, it seemed clear that he would not be staying with the team. SB Nation’s Mark Gunnels wrote on February 24, “With Clyde Edwards-Helaire… it just feels like it’s time to move on from both parties.”
However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Edwards-Helaire was agreeing to a one-year contract to remain with the Chiefs. Rapoport posted, “Their starting running back until midway through 2022 is back for another chance.”
Edwards-Helaire shared a strong, though short, message after the announcement of his new contract. He posted “3x❤️💛,” he posted on X.
AtoZ Sports’ Charles Goldman wrote that Edwards-Helaire came back to Kansas City “after considering his options” in free agency. While the financial details of the contract were not immediately disclosed, the agreement is “anticipated to be for significantly less than that fifth-year option amount.”
Easing the disappointment of taking less money, returning to the Chiefs for a chance to make Super Bowl history and earn his third ring.
Behind Jerick McKinnon and Pacheco, CEH ran for just 70 yards on 223 carries and scored 1 touchdown, and caught 17 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown last season. In four playoff games, he ran the ball 11 times for 53 yards. As for Mckinnon, the 31-year-old running back is still a free agent.
Chiefs Fans & Analysts Were Lukewarm on Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s Return
Following cornerback L’Jarius Sneed‘s trade to the Tennessee Titans, Kansas City has an extra $19.8 million in cash to spend. While Chiefs Kingdom expected general manager Brett Veach to make a big move in free agency, bringing back Edwards-Helaire was somewhat disappointing.
CBS Sports radio’s Carrington Harrington wrote, “CEH touches the ball about 5 times a game. I don’t hate the move. It’s not what I would’ve done but he’s fine. He’s not that good, he’s not that bad. It’s a backup RB move. It’s fine.”
KC Sports Network’s Kent Swanson posted, “I’m glad he’s back. Curious what guarantees are involved in the contract.” 610 Sports Radio’s Cody Tapp shared, “Honestly, he did fine in a backup role and by all accounts was a great teammate.”
Chiefs News: Signing Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins Remains on the Table
GettyFormer Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022.
The timing of Edwards-Helaire’s new contract raised some questions, as the agreement was announced on the same day former Baltimore Ravens star J.K. Dobbins was in Kansas City on a free agency visit.
Even after re-signing Edwards-Helaire, the possibility of Dobbins joining the Chiefs is still open. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor shared, “As for JK Dobbins, I’m told his visit today was productive for both parties, maybe a partnership that could happen later this offseason.”
Dobbins missed the entire 2023 NFL season after tearing his Achilles in Week 1. While the 25-year-old is a force when healthy, staying healthy is a major concern for the former Ohio State star. Since the Ravens selected Dobbins in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft, he’s played in just 27 combined regular-season and postseason games.
Harrington shared a message, “If the point is that Clyde Edwards-Helaire is better than JK Dobbins because he’s been healthier, okay. Clyde only has 487 more yards in his career than JK despite having 207 more carries. He’s better at catching the ball and has been healthier, but he’s just an average choice.”
