Bills Predicted to Sign Former Chiefs ‘Dynamic’ 1st-Round RB

The Kansas City Chiefs are attempting to hold onto as many important players as possible in order to try to win three straight Super Bowls. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs’ running back, is unlikely to be resigned, though.

Edwards-Helaire, who was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, has fallen short of those high standards. The writing was already on the wall, as Kansas City turned down his fifth-year option and cemented Isaac 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. “Back in Buffalo, James Cook is without a doubt the top player, but Ty Johnson and Edwards-Helaire may compete for reserve work.”

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.”

As examples, Barnwell noted, “we’ve seen backs who were first-round picks, like Mark Ingram, Shawn Lynch, and Cedric Benson, eventually break through after disappointing early in their career.” “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.”

‘It’s Time’ For the Chiefs to Move on From Clyde-Edwards Helaire

Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon is another unrestricted free agent, in addition to Edwards-Helaire.

On February 24, Mark Gunnels of SB Nation wrote, “It’s uncertain whether or not [Chiefs general manager Brett] Veach wants to bring McKinnon back for another year given his age and injury history. 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 May Wait Until After the 2024 NFL Draft to Sign Another RB

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, after cornerback Tre’Davious White was released, Buffalo will have an extra $10 million in cap space. 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.