With the NFL Draft and first wave of free agency already gone, the vast majority of the Kansas City Chiefs team-building process is already complete. However, there could still be one or two exciting moves, and David Kenyon of Bleacher Report believes that the Chiefs could cut former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Bleacher Report: Chiefs Could Cut Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Why This Could Happen
It’s no secret that Clyde Edwards-Helaire has not played up to his draft status, and Kenyon doesn’t shy away from how two disappointing years have made him anything but a lock for the final roster.
Last year, seventh-round rookie Isiah Pacheco and aging veteran Jerick McKinnon usurped Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart, and since both players are back, it stands to reason that the former first-round pick could be the odd man out. For what it’s worth, it appeared as though even Ronald Jones jumped Edwards-Helaire, as he was active for the Super Bowl and the former first-round pick wasn’t.
Kenyon’s article covers all 32 teams, so it goes without saying that he didn’t have time to write more than a quick paragraph on his thoughts. So, let’s analyze the Chiefs running back depth chart and see if the team can afford to cut Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Does Clyde Edwards-Helaire Have A Future In Kansas City
It seems like a lifetime ago that Clyde Edwards-Helaire began his career by recording 138 yards and a touchdown in front of a national audience. Ever since his professional debut, everything has gone south for the LSU product.
Texans can’t tackle Clyde Edwards-Helaire 😱
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/lxkZxua6uC
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 11, 2020
Over the past two seasons, a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness have sent the former first-round pick plummeting to the bottom of the depth chart. Once believed to be a lock for the three-down role, Edwards-Helaire lost rushing and receiving responsibilities as the season progressed, and it’s hard to see him regaining those roles without injuries.
Obviously, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is not Kansas City’s first choice at running back, but the lack of depth could keep him on the roaster. Pacheco is currently recovering from surgery and McKinnon isn’t exactly the youngest player in the league. Chances are, the Chiefs will need their third running back to play a decent role at some point in the season, and Edwards-Helaire seems to be the best choice for the job.
Despite strong running back classes in both the NFL Draft and free agency, the Chiefs decided not to add anyone of note over the past few months. So, unless the team feels comfortable about La’Mical Perine being one snap away from the starting job, Edwards-Helaire will probably stick around.
Additionally, the Chiefs don’t have much of a financial incentive to part ways with Clyde Edwards-Helaire. According to OverTheCap, Kansas City would take $2.57 million in dead money while clearing up just $865,726 by cutting him.
Right now, Edwards-Helaire will probably make the roster not because he’s good, but because the Chiefs lack any semblance of running back depth. So, if somebody like Dalvin Cook suddenly becomes available, don’t be surprised if the Chiefs aggressively pursue him and part ways with Edwards-Helaire in the process. No matter what happens this year, it’s hard to envision a world where he’s on the team in 2024.
Main Photo: Cary Edmonson – USA Today Sports
