News Summary
The New Orleans Saints have finalized their 53-man roster, releasing former Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire among other notable players. Despite a promising start to his career, Edwards-Helaire’s performance declined, which contributed to his release as the Saints solidify their roster for the upcoming regular season. Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed the roster and is focused on building a competitive team moving forward.
New Orleans – The New Orleans Saints have finalized their 53-man roster as part of their annual roster cuts, and a notable name on the list of released players is former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. This decision reflects the team’s strategic moves as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
Edwards-Helaire, who was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had a distinguished college career at Louisiana State University, contributing to the team that won the National Championship in 2019. He was selected as the last pick of the first round in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Chiefs, where he made an impactful debut season. Over his first year, he participated in 13 games, starting every one, and recorded impressive statistics that included 181 carries for 803 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed in the passing game with 36 receptions for 297 yards and another touchdown.
Despite a strong start with Kansas City, Edwards-Helaire’s performance dwindled in the following seasons. His time with the Chiefs concluded with cumulative career stats that included a total of 1,845 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, along with 89 receptions for 765 yards and 7 touchdowns spanning nearly five seasons. Due to a decline in performance, the decision to release him came as the Saints sought to solidify their roster.
Edwards-Helaire joined the Saints late in the previous season, where he had the opportunity to play in two games. However, his limited impact was notable, as he managed only 46 yards on 13 carries and 24 yards on three receptions during that period—factors that likely contributed to his release.
Alongside Edwards-Helaire, the New Orleans Saints made other significant cuts, including the release of safety Terrell Burgess, offensive lineman Shane Lemieux, wide receiver Dante Pettis, and defensive end Jonah Williams. Pettis had been considered a contender for a starting position just weeks prior to the decision, but the addition of Devaughn Vele to the wide receiver roster likely influenced the Saints’ choice to let him go.
As of now, Edwards-Helaire is a free agent and may have the potential to return to the Saints’ practice squad, contingent upon interest from other teams. The Saints faced the challenge of cutting 19 players in total as part of a process complicated by various injuries through the offseason.
Overall, Saints head coach Kellen Moore has confirmed the roster and is set on moving forward as the team heads towards the regular season. The competition remains fierce as the Saints aim to build a squad capable of contending in the upcoming NFL season.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: Saints Release Former LSU Star Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- Google Search: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- SI: New Orleans Saints Release Former Kansas City Chiefs Star & 4 Others
- Google Scholar: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- Arrowhead Addict: Saints Send Former Chiefs First-Round Pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire Packing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- Death Valley Voice: Former LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire Has Contract Terminated by Saints
- Google News: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- Pro Football Rumors: Saints Release Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Isaiah Foskey Moves Down to 53
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
