JUST IN: Bills about to Sign Former Chiefs ‘Dynamic’ 1st-Round RB

In an attempt to attempt a three-peat in the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs are making every effort to hold onto as many important players as possible. But it doesn’t seem probable that Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs’ running back, will sign on again.

The 2020 NFL draft saw Edwards-Helaire selected in the first round, although he has fallen short of the high expectations placed on him. The writing was already on the wall, as Kansas City turned down his fifth-year option and cemented Isiah Pacheco as their starting back.

Although most people view Edwards-Helaire as a bust, ESPN insider Bill Barnwell thinks the 24-year-old could have a comeback with the Buffalo Bills. The “best fit” for the struggling veteran, in his opinion, is the Chiefs’ opponent in the AFC.
Joe Brady, the former assistant at LSU, oversaw Edwards-Helaire’s best collegiate season and is currently the offensive coordinator for the Bills, according to Barnwell. James Cook is without a doubt Buffalo’s top player, but Ty Johnson and Edwards-Helaire may compete for reserve duty.
In LSU’s 2020 National Championship win, Edwards-Helaire scored 16 touchdowns on the ground and collected 5 receptions for 54 yards. Barnwell wrote, “Edwards-Helaire came to the Chiefs ‘with a reputation as a dynamic receiver from his time at LSU, that part of his game never really shone through.”

“There have been instances in the past where backs who were first-round picks and had early-career disappointments went on to succeed; examples include Mark Ingram, Marshawn Lynch, and Cedric Benson,” wrote Barnwell. “Treating Edwards-Helaire like he’s going to become a star would be naive, but he might prove to be a valuable asset on the right roster.”
“Time” Is Running Out for the Chiefs to Let Go of Clyde-Edwards Helaire
Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon is another unrestricted free agent, in addition to Edwards-Helaire.

“With McKinnon’s age and injury history, it’s unclear whether or not [Chiefs general manager Brett] Veach wants to bring him back for another year,” wrote Mark Gunnels of SB Nation on February 24. However, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, it seems like it’s time for both of them to move on.
In addition to 36 receptions for 297 yards and a touchdown in his rookie campaign, Edwards-Helaire ran 181 times for 803 yards and four touchdowns. But a clear problem was his inability to score in the red zone. His stats have been declining over the last three years as he has descended further on the depth chart.

According to Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports, the Chiefs are “still looking to add a veteran backup in free agency,” as of March 18. Additionally, he hinted that the Chiefs might select a different running back in the draft.
The Bills Might Hold Off on Signing Another RB Until After the 2024 NFL Draft
Buffalo wouldn’t have to spend much to acquire the seasoned two-time Super Bowl champion Edwards-Helaire. Last season, CEH had only 70 rushes for 223 yards and one touchdown, along with 17 receptions for 188 yards and one touchdown, behind McKinnon and Pacheco.
But before making a decision, Bills general manager Brandon Beane might hold up until after the 2024 NFL Draft. On June 1, Buffalo will free up an extra $10 million in cap space after the departure of cornerback Tre’Davious White. Although the Bills did not disclose the amount they spent to re-sign Johnson, it is unlikely to have been a significant sum given that the deal was only for one year.

Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic said on Thursday, March 21: “The Bills need a third rushing back to go with Ty Johnson and James Cook. Throwing a dart at a running back on Day 3 and hoping he significantly outperforms his spot while on a cost-controlled four-year deal is always more economical. In free agency, there will probably be a group of veterans available for selection on a one-year contract if the Bills are unsuccessful in the draft.