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Chiefs' Former First-Round Pick Cut by NFC Team Before 2025 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 12:38 PM ET

One of the key factors contributing to the Kansas City Chiefs' success is general manager Brett Veach's ability to draft at a high level, particularly in the first round.

Since taking the job in 2017, Veach has hit big on several players, with highlights including two-time MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, who recently signed a four-year, $88 million extension.

However, just like every other team, the Chiefs are not immune to missing, with one prime example being running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who the team took with the No. 32 pick in the 2020 draft.

Edwards-Helaire Cut by Saints

On Tuesday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reported that Edwards-Helaire's one-year, $1.17 million deal for the 2025 season with the New Orleans Saints would be cut short.

"The Saints plan to terminate the contract of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, per source," Underhill wrote in an X post.

The Saints plan to terminate the contract of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, per source
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) August 26, 2025

This doesn't come as a major surprise, as John Sigler of Saints Wire predicted that Edwards-Helaire, along with Cam Akers and Marcus Yarns, would be the three running backs let go by Tuesday's mandatory roster cuts.

That would ultimately leave the door for Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Velus Jones Jr. and Devin Neal to be the four running backs on New Orleans' 53-man roster.

Looking at Edwards-Helaire's Career

When Edwards-Helaire was taken by the Chiefs, there was hope he'd be a boost to an amazing offense which already featured a red-hot trio of Mahomes, WR Tyreek Hill and TE Travis Kelce.

The running back put up solid numbers in his rookie year, rushing the ball 181 times for 803 yards and four touchdowns while hauling in 36 receptions, 297 yards and one touchdown.

However, Edwards-Helaire's numbers would continuously dip from there, over the next three seasons (2021 to 2023), racking up just 1,042 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, 53 receptions, 468 yards and six touchdowns.

After being waived by the Chiefs on Dec. 16, 2024, he would sign with the Saints to finish out the season, appearing in two games for them with just 46 rushing yards, three receptions and 24 yards.

At 26 years old, Edwards-Helaire is unlikely to find himself competing for a starting spot anytime soon, with a practice squad role being much more realistic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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