DeAndre Washington is already sharing his veteran advice with Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
DeAndre Washington has been in this position before. In fact, it was just last season.
Washington signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason to help bolster the team’s backfield. As a former member of the Oakland Raiders, Washington was very familiar with the rival’s firepower and the chance to be a part of Andy Reid‘s offense (and be teammates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes again after years together at Texas Tech) was one worth taking.
Fast forward a few months, however, and the backfield looks different than it did when Washington first signed. The team utilized their first round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft on LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. In addition, the team recently announced that Damien Williams would be opting out of the season. For Washington, the addition and then subtraction changed the makeup of the room. However, it’s clear that the veteran was never worried about getting opportunities.
In a recent session with Chiefs media, Washington took questions about signing with the Chiefs. He stated that the season is long enough that the opportunities will come no matter who else is in the backfield with him.
"“Prior to making my decision, I felt like coming to Kansas City was a great opportunity for me,” said Washington. “Even before they drafted Clyde [Edwards-Helaire], I think he’s a great back but how this game goes, guys are gonna roll. It’s a long season, so I feel like there’ll be opportunities for everybody to eat. I think with Coach Reid, his offense, he’s shown plenty of times that he knows how to get playmakers the ball, so I’m looking forward to making my plays when I get my opportunities.”"
Just last year, the Raiders also made a significant first-round investment by picking running back Josh Jacobs out of Alabama. Both Jacobs and Edwards-Helaire were the first running backs taken in their respective drafts, and Washington has already started giving the Chiefs rookie some important advice.
"“Both, I feel like, are great backs. Both have great strengths to their game. My experience with Josh last year, and it’s the same thing I told Clyde, is that it’s a long season. Just take care of your body. Guys are gonna roll. Guys are gonna get their reps. He don’t have to feel like he has to take every rep or have to be the guy right now. I understand coming in as a rookie that you’re hungry, and I want him to shine.”"
Jacobs had 242 carries for 1,150 yards and 7 touchdowns in his first season with the Raiders. He also caught 20 passes for 166 yards and 2 more touchdowns.