When the Kansas City Chiefs took running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he was expected to become a prominent piece in the club’s backfield. Now, he looks like a potential trade candidate. A team like the Los Angeles Rams may take a chance on him.
Early on, he appeared on track to do just that, as Edwards-Helaire rushed for 803 yard and four touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry during his rookie campaign. In addition, he caught 36 passes for 297 yards and a score.
Since then, however, Edwards-Helaire’s production has dwindled each season, thanks much in part to injuries and the emergence of fellow halfback Isiah Pacheco.
Edwards-Helaire ran the ball for 517 yards in 2021, and last year, he totaled just 302 yards on the ground. Plus, he recorded just 19 and 17 receptions, respectively, over the last two seasons.
Through six games this season, the 24-year-old has essentially become a forgotten man in the Chiefs’ offense, as he has carried the ball 30 times for just 100 yards and a touchdown while logging five catches.
Edwards-Helaire has clearly fallen behind Pacheco, and with Jerick McKinnon also on Kansas City’s roster, it may be time for the Chiefs to move Edwards-Helaire between now and the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline.
Perhaps the Los Angeles Rams could be interested? Christopher Long of Total Pro Sports thinks they should take a look.
The Rams recently jettisoned disappointing running back Cam Akers, sending him to the Minnesota Vikings. They could certainly use a backfield partner for Kyren Williams, who is averaging 4.7 yards per carry thus far this season.
Edwards-Helaire is in the final year of his contract, so Los Angeles would have no obligation to him beyond this season if things don’t work out.
Given that the Rams rank just 22nd in the league in rushing offense, it might be worth a shot to swing a deal for Edwards-Helaire and see if a change of scenery could rejuvenate him.
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