Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs Reportedly Agree to Contract After Saints Release

Following his release from the New Orleans Saints this week, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is going back to where it all began.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Edwards-Helaire is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, reuniting him with the team that drafted him in the first round in 2020.

Edwards-Helaire joined the Saints late in the 2024 season and appeared in two games, rushing for 46 yards on 13 carries and catching three passes for 24 yards. He re-signed with New Orleans on a one-year contract in February and had hoped to earn a spot behind star running back Alvin Kamara, but the team released him on Tuesday as part of its final roster cuts.

Entering the NFL after starring at LSU, Edwards-Helaire was projected as a dynamic playmaker. He had a solid rookie season with 803 rushing yards, 297 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. Unfortunately, he peaked in his first year.

It took just two seasons for Edwards-Helaire to lose his starting job due to lackluster production and injuries that caused inconsistencies. He hasn't recorded 1,000 scrimmage yards since his rookie year, and the only other time he finished with over 500 rushing yards was his second season when he notched 517 yards and four touchdowns.

In 50 career games, Edwards-Helaire has 1,891 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 92 catches for 789 yards and seven more scores. He won two Super Bowl titles with Kansas City.

The Chiefs are set at running back with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt leading the way, but Edwards-Helaire will have the chance to prove his worth on the practice squad before working his way onto the roster.