NFL Rumors: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs Agree to Contract amid J.K. Dobbins Buzz

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is sticking around in Kansas City.

The Chiefs running back re-signed with the team Tuesday on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier Tuesday that free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins was in Kansas City for a visit with the Chiefs.

It is something of a surprise that Edwards-Helaire is returning to Kansas City. In the past two seasons, Isiah Pacheco has emerged as the clear No. 1 option in the team's backfield, both as a runner and a receiver, while Jerick McKinnon was more of a factor in the passing game than CEH.

The 24-year-old Edwards-Helaire looked like he might be the team's running back of the future during his rookie season in 2020, rushing for 803 yards and four touchdowns while adding 36 catches for 297 and another score.

But he has seen his yards from scrimmage drop in every subsequent season, and after registering six touchdowns in each of the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, he only managed two last season.

Health has became a factor—he's missed 19 games across his four seasons. But Pacheco has also emerged as a tough, consistent runner, giving the Chiefs a reliable offensive playmaker in the team's run to yet another Super Bowl title this past season.

When the Chiefs didn't exercise Edwards-Helaire's fifth-year option ahead of the 2023 season, it seemed likely that his future would probably reside elsewhere.

Ultimately, the Chiefs decided to bring him back, but at this point it seems most likely that his return is about retaining a depth option who already knows the offensive scheme, and little else.