The Kansas City Chiefs are striving to retain most of their key players as they aim for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory. However, it appears highly improbable that they will extend the contract of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, Edwards-Helaire has not met the high expectations set for him. With Kansas City opting not to exercise his fifth-year option and confirming Isiah Pacheco as their primary running back, it was evident that his time with the team was limited.
Despite Edwards-Helaire being widely regarded as a disappointment, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell suggests that the 24-year-old could rejuvenate his career with the Buffalo Bills. He identified the Chiefs’ AFC rival as the most suitable destination for the struggling veteran.
When adjusting for level of talent, this catch from Clyde Edwards-Helaire is *analytically* better than Odell Beckham’s catch
pic.twitter.com/209xMNQ0kR— Josh Larky (@jlarkytweets) December 17, 2023
“Edwards-Helaire showcased his skills during his standout college season under the guidance of Joe Brady, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills,” Barnwell noted. “Despite his impressive performance in LSU’s 2020 National Championship victory, where he rushed 16 times for 110 yards and caught 5 passes for 54 yards, Edwards-Helaire’s transition to the Chiefs didn’t fully manifest his reputation as a dynamic receiver from his collegiate days.”
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“Although James Cook holds the lead back position in Buffalo, there could be room for Edwards-Helaire to compete with Ty Johnson for backup duties,” Barnwell explained. “While it’s unrealistic to expect Edwards-Helaire to suddenly emerge as a star, history has shown us that some running backs, like Mark Ingram, Marshawn Lynch, and Cedric Benson, have managed to find success after initial disappointments. Perhaps, with the right team, Edwards-Helaire could carve out a valuable role as a contributor.”
‘It’s Time’ For the Chiefs to Move on From Clyde-Edwards Helaire
Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire saving grace to staying around the league will be because of his receiving ability. He offers KC impressive versatility and explosiveness in the open field of the passing game. @ChiefsFocus #KCvsLAC #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/Gc2iEHDFAO
— P-Mac McGruder (@ChiefsFan4Lyfe) January 6, 2024
In addition to Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Jerick McKinnon is also an unrestricted free agent.
Mark Gunnels of SB Nation, writing on February 24, pointed out the uncertainty surrounding McKinnon’s potential return due to his age and injury history. Regarding Edwards-Helaire, Gunnels suggested that it might be time for both parties to part ways.
During his rookie season, Edwards-Helaire posted solid numbers with 181 rushes for 803 yards and 4 touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 297 yards and a score. However, his difficulties in scoring in the red zone were notable, and his performance saw a decline over the past three years as he slid down the team’s depth chart.
According to Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports, in a report on March 18, the Chiefs are still in the market to acquire a veteran backup through free agency. Additionally, Goldman indicated that the Chiefs may also consider selecting another running back in the upcoming draft.
The Bills May Wait Until After the 2024 NFL Draft to Sign Another RB
Acquiring Edwards-Helaire wouldn’t be a significant financial burden for the Buffalo Bills, especially considering his experience as a two-time Super Bowl champion. Last season, behind McKinnon and Pacheco, Edwards-Helaire had limited opportunities, recording 70 rushes for 223 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 17 receptions for 188 yards and a score.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane might opt to wait until after the 2024 NFL draft to pursue Edwards-Helaire. With the release of cornerback Tre’Davious White, Buffalo frees up an additional $10 million in cap space on June 1st. While the exact amount paid to re-sign Johnson remains unclear, given the reported one-year contract, it’s unlikely to be a significant sum.
According to The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia, in a report on Thursday, March 21st, the Bills are in need of a third running back to complement James Cook and Ty Johnson. It’s often more economical to take a chance on a running back in the later rounds of the draft and hope for an overperformance while benefiting from a cost-controlled four-year deal. If the Bills fail to find a suitable option in the draft, there should still be a pool of veteran running backs available in free agency, potentially on short-term contracts.
