In an unexpected twist to the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason narrative, the team has decided to re-sign Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the 25-year-old running back who has become a familiar face in the Chiefs’ backfield. This decision comes amidst speculation and the recent visit of J.K. Dobbins, the former Baltimore Ravens running back, igniting a wave of curiosity among fans and analysts alike.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s Journey: From First-Round Pick to Re-Signed Veteran
Drafted with high hopes as the No. 32 pick in 2020, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was envisioned as the Chiefs’ future marquee running back. However, the landscape of the NFL is as unpredictable as it is ruthless.
Despite showing flashes of potential, Edwards-Helaire found himself overshadowed by Isiah Pacheco, a seventh-round surprise who climbed the depth charts with his dynamic play. With his contract up following the 2023 season, many anticipated a departure from Kansas City for Clyde Edwards-Helaire in search of new beginnings.
No Way The League Let Mahomes Get Clyde Edwards-Helaire 😭 It's Over For The AFC pic.twitter.com/8BIQgZYPnR
— KadariusCity💯 (@KadariusCity) April 2, 2024
Yet, the Chiefs’ front office had a different plan. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Kansas City has locked in Helaire on a one-year deal that’s believed to be economically favorable for the team. This move signals a commitment to continuity and perhaps a belief in Edwards Helaire’s untapped potential or specific role within the team’s strategy.
Why Kansas City Chiefs Didn’t Choose J.K. Dobbins?
The plot thickened with the visit of J.K. Dobbins, a player whose rushing average of 5.8 yards per carry casts a towering shadow over Edwards-Helaire’s career average of 4.2. Dobbins, despite battling injuries, has been a force when healthy, offering a tantalizing ‘what-if’ scenario for the Chiefs’ offense.
Yet, the team chose to stick with their familiar card, Edwards-Helaire, raising questions about their evaluation criteria. Factors like Dobbins’ contract demands, injury history, and fit within the team’s playbook might have influenced this decision.
How Will Edwards-Helaire’s Impact Kansas City Chiefs?
Edwards-Helaire’s performance in the 2023 season was modest, with career-lows in rushing attempts and yards. Yet, his contribution cannot be measured in yardage alone. As a receiving back, he has offered a different dimension to the Chiefs’ offense, proving valuable in their Super Bowl runs. The Chiefs’ philosophy seems to be one of continuity and faith in the existing roster, valuing the known over the potential.
The re-signing of Edwards-Helaire may raise eyebrows, but it also reaffirms the Chiefs’ trust in their team composition and their belief in winning formulas. While Helaire’s statistics may not dazzle, his role within the team and the success that has come during his tenure cannot be overlooked. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the Chiefs’ approach to team building — valuing fit, role, and continuity — offers a compelling narrative in the high-stakes world of professional football.
In conclusion, while the Chiefs’ decision to re-sign Helaire over pursuing Dobbins may seem puzzling to some, it reflects a deeper strategy and confidence in their team’s chemistry and system. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Helaire and the Chiefs to see if this gamble pays off, reinforcing the adage that in the NFL, sometimes, the best move is the one you don’t make.
Source: Fansided
