Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has officially been released by the Kansas City Chiefs. The unexpected announcement came directly from the player himself via his X account on Monday afternoon, just minutes before the team confirmed the decision.
“Love ya KC! A family I didn’t know I needed, y’all made a kid from Baton Rouge’s dreams come true!” Edwards-Helaire wrote in his emotional post. He also expressed gratitude to Chiefs fans, saying, “To Chiefs Kingdom, it’s all love, and the support I had in troubling times will forever be unmatched!”
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The 2020 first-round pick, who played a key role during the Chiefs‘ championship runs in Super Bowl LVII and LVIII, had not seen the field in 2024 due to falling down the team’s depth chart. Despite being activated from the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list in October, he didn’t record a single snap this season.
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A promising start turned rocky journey
Edwards-Helaire entered the NFL with high expectations after a standout collegiate career at LSU, where he was a vital part of the historic 2019 Tigers team that included Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson. Selected as the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he burst onto the scene with a stellar rookie season, recording career highs in rushing yards, touchdowns, and receptions.
However, his trajectory shifted as injuries and inconsistent performances plagued subsequent seasons. A knee injury in 2021 and increased competition from rookie standout Isiah Pacheco in 2022 further limited his opportunities. By the 2023 season, Kansas City had declined his fifth-year option, signaling uncertainty about his future with the team.
Though Edwards-Helaire re-signed with the Chiefs in the offseason, his role continued to diminish, ultimately leading to his release. Over his four-year NFL career, he has accumulated 1,845 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, and 765 receiving yards with seven receiving touchdowns.
What’s next for Edwards-Helaire?
As of now, no NFL teams have been publicly linked to Edwards-Helaire, leaving his next move uncertain. At just 24 years old, the talented running back still has time to reignite his career. His farewell to Kansas City marks the end of a chapter filled with both triumph and challenges.
For Chiefs fans, Edwards-Helaire’s contributions to two Super Bowl victories will remain part of the team’s storied history, even as the running back looks toward a fresh start.