Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Saints Could Release First-Round Pick Before Week 1

New Orleans Saints running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is fighting for what could be his final chance in the NFL. A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the LSU product began his career by recording a respectable 803 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games (all starts). However, it was all downhill from there, as Edwards-Helaire never lived up to his draft capital and eventually lost his job to seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco.

Last year, the running back spent most of the season off the field but appeared in two games for the Saints. During his limited action, he recorded just 46 yards on 13 attempts and is currently hoping to earn a spot on a wide-open depth chart.

Unfortunately, Bleacher Report‘s Gary Davenport doesn’t think he’ll make the 53-man roster. In a recent article, the NFL analyst made his case for why the Saints could cut Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the coming days.

“Alvin Kamara is the unquestioned lead back in the Big Easy. Kendre Miller appears safely entrenched as the RB2,” Davenport writes. “With Devin Neal and Velus Jones Jr widely projected to round out the position group, both Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers are former NFL starters who could be searching for new homes after cutdown day.”

Saints Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Aug 14, 2025; Carson, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (23) carries the ball against Los Angeles Rams linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (54) and cornerback Cam Lampkin (33) during a joint practice at the Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Saints Expected to Cut Clyde Edwards-Helaire

One must wonder if Clyde Edwards-Helaire will earn another NFL opportunity if the Saints cut him. As previously mentioned, he almost missed the entirety of the 2024 season, and he didn’t do much with his limited play time.

Injuries are prevalent throughout the NFL season, especially at the running back position. Perhaps Clyde Edwards-Helaire will sign if some team’s starter goes down, but he might have to wait a while before finding work.

Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images

About David Latham, Managing Editor

With LWOS since 2017, and as Managing Editor for NFL content at Last Word On Sports since 2021, David Latham stands as an authority in professional football analysis. With an intricate understanding of the league, Latham has cultivated exceptional expertise in NFL Fantasy Football, offering astute insights that empower enthusiasts and seasoned players alike. His keen eye for detail and comprehensive knowledge also position him as a trusted source for breaking news and rumors, consistently delivering timely and accurate information. Latham’s contributions are invaluable for readers seeking strategic fantasy league decisions to understanding the impact of league-wide developments. His commitment to factual reporting and insightful commentary has cemented his reputation as a reliable voice in the NFL media landscape.

Stay in the Game

Get the latest sports news and analysis delivered to your inbox.

Share This Article