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5 Shocking Details Behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire's Sudden Saints Release And His Immediate Return To The Chiefs

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The saga of Clyde Edwards-Helaire's short-lived tenure with the New Orleans Saints reached a definitive, and somewhat shocking, conclusion in the late summer of 2025. What began as a promising homecoming for the LSU star ended abruptly, culminating in his release during the final wave of roster cuts. This transaction, confirmed on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, sent shockwaves through the NFL, not just because a former first-round pick was cut, but because of the immediate and surprising next step in his professional career. As of today, December 20, 2025, the story of the running back's career arc is one of unexpected twists, from a Super Bowl champion in Kansas City to a brief stint in New Orleans, and then a quick return to the team that drafted him. This article breaks down the five key details surrounding the Saints' decision, the competitive landscape that led to it, and where the veteran back stands now in the league.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire: Comprehensive Player Profile and Career Chronology

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, often referred to by his initials CEH, is an American professional football running back whose career has been marked by high expectations, Super Bowl success, and a recent period of transitional instability. His journey from an LSU standout to an NFL first-round pick provides the necessary context for his brief, but impactful, free agency period.
  • Full Name: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
  • Position: Running Back (RB)
  • Born: April 11, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • College: LSU (Louisiana State University)
  • NFL Draft: 2020, First Round, 32nd overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs
  • Key NFL Teams:
    • Kansas City Chiefs (2020–2024)
    • New Orleans Saints (2024–2025)
    • Kansas City Chiefs (2025–present)
  • Career Rushing Statistics (Partial): 461 Carries, 1,904 Rushing Yards, 4.1 Yards Per Attempt, 12 Rushing Touchdowns (through the end of his initial Chiefs tenure).
  • Notable Achievements: Super Bowl Champion (LIV, LVII with the Chiefs)
Edwards-Helaire established himself as a versatile, three-down back at LSU, which led to him being the first running back taken in the 2020 NFL Draft. His initial career with the Chiefs was productive but eventually saw a reduced role due to injuries and the emergence of other running backs on the roster. He became an unrestricted free agent in 2024 after Kansas City declined his fifth-year option.

The Tumultuous Timeline: From Saints Signing to August Roster Cut

The "Clyde Edwards-Helaire Saints release" was not a single event, but the final step in a multi-phase relationship that spanned less than a year. The timeline highlights the intense competition and business nature of the NFL's roster management.

1. The Initial Saints Connection (Late 2024)

Edwards-Helaire first joined the New Orleans Saints late in the 2024 season. After spending the majority of the year with the Chiefs, he was signed onto the Saints' practice squad on December 18, 2024. This move was significant, as it brought the Louisiana native and former LSU star back to his home state, offering a potential fresh start and a change of scenery.

2. The One-Year Contract Commitment (Early 2025)

The Saints seemed committed to CEH's future, at least initially. In February 2025, New Orleans re-signed the running back to a one-year contract, reportedly a reserve/future deal, which was set to run through the 2025 season. This signing suggested he would be a legitimate competitor for a spot in the Saints' running back rotation during training camp and the preseason. The financial terms were reported to include a total value of $1.17 million.

3. The Roster Crunch and Release (August 26, 2025)

The true drama unfolded during the final 2025 preseason roster cutdowns. On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the New Orleans Saints officially released Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The move was part of a larger flurry of transactions aimed at trimming the roster down to the mandatory limit. The release came as a surprise to many fans and analysts who had hoped the former first-rounder could carve out a niche role in the Saints' backfield.

The Competitive Factors That Led to the Decision

The Saints' decision to part ways with Edwards-Helaire was not necessarily a reflection of poor play, but rather a harsh reality of the depth and talent already present in the New Orleans backfield. The team's running back room was simply too crowded with established and emerging talent.

Depth Chart Competition

The primary factor in CEH's departure was the established hierarchy and the emergence of a key young player.
  • Alvin Kamara: The undisputed star and veteran leader of the running back corps. His role is secure as the primary back and pass-catcher.
  • Kendre Miller: A younger, high-potential back who the Saints invested draft capital in. Miller was viewed as a potential future feature back and a necessary piece of the rotation, solidifying his spot ahead of CEH.
  • Other Roster Battles: The Saints also brought in other backs for tryouts, such as former Rams Super Bowl champion Cam Akers, which further intensified the competition for the RB3 and RB4 slots.
Ultimately, the Saints determined that Edwards-Helaire's cap hit and roster spot were better allocated elsewhere, prioritizing the development of younger players like Miller and maintaining veteran depth. His release was a pure business decision made under the pressure of the roster cut deadline.

The Immediate Aftermath: A Stunning Return to the Chiefs

The most extraordinary detail of the entire saga is what happened immediately following his release from the New Orleans Saints. Instead of languishing in free agency or signing with a new team, Clyde Edwards-Helaire made an immediate and unexpected return to the place where his professional career began: the Kansas City Chiefs.

A Familiar Face in a Familiar Place

Shortly after being released by the Saints in August 2025, Edwards-Helaire re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. This move was a clear indication of two things: the Chiefs still valued his familiarity with their system, and CEH preferred a defined role with a Super Bowl contender over an uncertain future elsewhere. The Chiefs signed him to a new deal, bringing him back to the organization for what would be his sixth season with the club. This quick turnaround is a testament to the high-demand nature of quality running backs, especially those who understand the playbook of a championship-caliber team. For the Chiefs, bringing back a former first-round pick who knows the nuances of the offense was a low-risk, high-reward move to bolster their running back depth.

The Long-Term Impact on CEH and the Saints

The brief Clyde Edwards-Helaire Saints tenure will ultimately be remembered as a footnote in the team's history, but it holds significant meaning for the running back's career trajectory.

For the New Orleans Saints

The release confirmed the Saints' confidence in their existing running back depth, particularly the health and development of Kendre Miller. It signaled a commitment to their current roster structure, prioritizing cost-efficiency and youth development over a veteran homecoming. The team moved quickly to solidify its backfield rotation, which continues to be anchored by the versatile Alvin Kamara.

For Clyde Edwards-Helaire

For CEH, the brief stint in New Orleans served as a stark reminder of his market value and the intense competition at the running back position. However, his swift return to the Chiefs, a team he has won multiple Super Bowls with, provides stability and a clear, albeit perhaps a rotational, role. He enters the 2025 season back in the familiar environment of a championship contender, ready to contribute as a depth piece and change-of-pace back in an offense he knows intimately. His career continues to be a compelling study of a first-round talent navigating the volatile landscape of the modern NFL.
clyde edwards-helaire saints release
clyde edwards-helaire saints release

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