The New Orleans Saints have officially secured the return of veteran running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on a one-year contract for the 2025 NFL season. The team confirmed the agreement on Thursday, signaling their confidence in the experienced rusher as they continue shaping their roster for the upcoming year.
Edwards-Helaire saw limited action during the 2024 season but joined the Saints’ practice squad in December after injuries impacted their backfield. With star running back Alvin Kamara dealing with health issues, the Saints opted to bring in Edwards-Helaire for depth and stability at the position. As the regular season neared its end, he was elevated to the active roster and participated in the final two games. During that brief stint, he carried the ball 13 times, accumulating 46 rushing yards, and contributed three receptions for 24 yards, proving he could still be a valuable asset when called upon.
Originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Edwards-Helaire made an immediate impact in his rookie season. He rushed for an impressive 803 yards and recorded four touchdowns, quickly becoming a key contributor to the Chiefs’ offense. However, his role within Kansas City’s backfield began to diminish over the next few years as the team transitioned to a different running back rotation. Over time, he saw fewer opportunities and was eventually phased out of their primary offensive game plan. By the time he hit free agency, it was clear that his tenure with the Chiefs had come to an end.
In December 2024, the Saints took a chance on Edwards-Helaire by signing him to a late-season deal. This move was made primarily as insurance in case Kamara was unable to return to full health. While he was not heavily utilized, he showed enough flashes of his former ability to earn another opportunity with the team. Now, with a fresh contract for 2025, he has a chance to make a stronger case for himself and compete for a more significant role in the Saints’ offense.
The upcoming season will present a new challenge for Edwards-Helaire as he works under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Kellen Moore. Moore, known for his offensive strategies and ability to maximize player strengths, could provide the right system for Edwards-Helaire to find a niche within the Saints’ game plan. Depending on how things unfold in training camp and preseason, Edwards-Helaire could see a more expanded role in the offensive rotation, either as a complement to Kamara or as a situational playmaker.
As the Saints prepare for the 2025 season, they continue to focus on building depth and ensuring they have versatile options in their backfield. Edwards-Helaire’s experience and ability to contribute in both the running and passing game could prove valuable. With a full offseason to integrate into the system, he will have the opportunity to prove that he deserves a lasting spot on the roster. The coming months will determine how significant his role will be, but for now, his return marks another step in the Saints’ preparation for the future.
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