The offseason speculation surrounding the future of Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire dominated headlines. Kansas City declined to pick up his fifth-year option to extend his contract past the 2023 season, raising eyebrows regarding his standing with the Chiefs.
Breakout seasons from Jerick Mckinnon and Isiah Pacheco offered more options out of the backfield for head coach Andy Reid as he formulated his game plans down the stretch last year. The timing of Edwards-Helaire’s high ankle sprain in 2023 created some doubt about his status when he wasn’t available for the team’s postseason run to Super Bowl LVII.
Edwards-Helaire clarified his expectations for the coming season during Friday’s post-practice press conference, telling reporters that he will fill any role necessary to help Kansas City succeed during its 2023 campaign.
“Whenever they give me a number, they call my number. It doesn’t matter,” Edwards-Helaire explained. “Like I say, I run between the tackles, I catch out the backfield even beforehand, like going into the Super Bowl. That whole week, I practiced [at] receiver, so I can’t sit here and tell you what I exactly feel, you know, what my role should be, but I know I can do whatever [the team needs] on the field.”
The Chiefs often rely on multiple running backs during games, so there is a chance for Edwards-Helaire to get more opportunities. He will also face competition in camp from undrafted rookie upstart Deneric Prince who has had a strong showing since OTAs.
