In a surprising turn of events, former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has found a new home with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints announced on Wednesday that they have signed the former first-round pick to their practice squad, just two days after he was waived by the Chiefs.
A Fresh Start for CEH
Edwards-Helaire, who was drafted 32nd overall by the Chiefs in the 2020 NFL Draft, had a promising start to his career in Kansas City. As a rookie, he rushed for 803 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding 36 receptions. However, injuries and the emergence of other backs in the Chiefs’ rotation led to diminished playing time in subsequent seasons.
In 2024, CEH did not see the field at all for the Chiefs, beginning the year on the non-football illness list. On Monday, the team made the decision to waive the 25-year-old, ending his tenure in Kansas City. Now, he’ll look to resurrect his career in New Orleans.
Opportunity Knocks in New Orleans
The Saints’ decision to bring in Edwards-Helaire comes at a time when the team is dealing with uncertainty at the running back position. Star back Alvin Kamara exited Sunday’s game with a groin injury, leaving his status for Week 16 up in the air.
If Kamara is forced to miss time, CEH could have a chance to carve out a role in the Saints offense. His skill set as a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield could be a valuable asset for a New Orleans team looking to make a playoff push.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire won a national title at LSU in 2019 before being drafted by the Chiefs. Now, he returns to Louisiana for the next chapter of his NFL journey.
A Homecoming of Sorts
For Edwards-Helaire, signing with the Saints represents a homecoming of sorts. The Baton Rouge native starred at LSU, winning a national championship in 2019 before making the jump to the NFL.
CEH put up monster numbers in that title game against Clemson, rushing for 110 yards on 16 carries while catching 5 passes for 54 yards – in the very same Superdome he’ll now call home as a Saint. He’ll hope to recapture some of that magic and prove he still belongs in the league.
What it Means for the Chiefs
In Kansas City, the release of Edwards-Helaire opens up a spot on the 53-man roster. The Chiefs still have solid depth at running back with rookie Isiah Pacheco emerging as the lead back and veterans Jerick McKinnon and Ronald Jones providing support.
The Chiefs will move forward with that group as they eye another deep postseason run. For a player once viewed as the future at RB in KC, Edwards-Helaire’s chapter with the team closes after just four seasons.
The Bottom Line
Clyde Edwards-Helaire landing with the Saints is an intriguing move that could benefit both parties. For the Saints, it’s a low-risk flyer on a talented player who could boost their banged-up RB room. For CEH, it’s a much-needed change of scenery and opportunity to prove himself.
Only time will tell if the former first-round pick can make the most of this second chance. But if he can recapture even a fraction of the explosiveness he showed at LSU and early in his Chiefs tenure, Edwards-Helaire could emerge as a valuable weapon for the Saints down the stretch.
