đš KANSAS CITY CHIEFS MAKE A SURPRISING MOVE: Clyde Edwards-Helaire Released Amid Major Roster Overhaul đ

In a surprising offseason move, the Kansas City Chiefs have released two-time Super Bowl champion Clyde Edwards-Helaire after six seasons with the franchise. Edwards-Helaire, selected 32nd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft out of LSU, made his mark in Kansas City with 1,891 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 789 receiving yards over 50 games (32 starts). A key contributor on special teams and in short-yardage situations, Edwards-Helaire played an important role during the Chiefsâ recent Super Bowl runs.
Despite his contributions, the Chiefsâ front office, led by GM Brett Veach, has decided to part ways with the 27-year-old running back as part of a broader effort to restructure the roster heading into 2026.
Chiefs’ Early Offseason Cuts & Moves
Edwards-Helaireâs release is part of a larger wave of roster changes as the Chiefs make moves to prioritize youth, health, and salary cap flexibility. Other veterans who have been let go or waived in the initial wave include:
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OLB Willie Gay Jr. â Released due to inconsistent play and ongoing injury concerns.
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WR Mecole Hardman â Cut despite clutch playoff performances in past seasons.
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TE Noah Gray â Released to open space for younger tight ends in the system.
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CB Joshua Williams â Waived amid a crowded Chiefs secondary.
While these moves have sent shockwaves through the fanbase, the Chiefs are keeping their core stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, and George Karlaftis. This signals a clear shift in focus towards building a sustainable, competitive roster for the future, while ensuring they remain contenders in the present.
Whatâs Next for Clyde Edwards-Helaire?
Although Edwards-Helaire is no longer with the Chiefs, he is far from done in the NFL. As a former first-round pick, he still offers value as a reliable change-of-pace back and special teams contributor. At 27, he could be an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their backfield depth. Potential landing spots could include:

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Dallas Cowboys â With uncertainty around their running back room, Edwards-Helaire could provide a solid option.
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New York Jets â The Jets may look to add another back to complement their current roster.
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Los Angeles Chargers â With an evolving offensive scheme, Edwards-Helaire could fit well in LA.
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Detroit Lions or Baltimore Ravens â Both teams could look to bring in the veteran for added depth in their run games.
A Shift in Philosophy for the Chiefs
The Chiefsâ decision to move on from a two-time Super Bowl champion reflects a broader change in team philosophy. The front office is placing greater emphasis on long-term roster building, peak performance, and cap flexibility over past accomplishments. With the Chiefs entering the offseason as defending Super Bowl champions, the front office clearly has high expectations for the 2026 season and beyond.
While parting ways with Edwards-Helaire may be a tough move, it shows the Chiefsâ commitment to improving and adapting their roster in the ever-competitive AFC. With a strong core and the promise of exciting changes, Kansas City remains poised to continue their championship aspirations in the coming seasons.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Chiefs continue to shape their roster heading into the 2026 season!