Three positive guarantees for KC Chiefs in 2022
By Jacob Milham
Clyde Edwards-Helaire has a career-high in scrimmage yards
Clyde Edwards-Helaire still has not lived up to his first-round draft status. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be able to in 2022.
Edwards-Helaire had a disappointing 2021 season, marred by injuries and a lack of production. The fanbase is disenfranchised by him, so much so that Ronald Jones and rookie Isiah Pacheco were more popular RB1 options in Kansas City. But remember, the NFL is not a democracy. All signs, through training camp and the preseason, point to Edwards-Helaire still firmly being the team’s top rushing option in 2022.
In a sense, Edwards-Helaire is entering a contract year. The Chiefs can elect to pick up or decline his fifth-year option in May 2023. That is a huge payday, especially considering the option is fully guaranteed. That price tag only rises if Edwards-Helaire reaches certain playing time and performance thresholds, namely a Pro Bowl selection. He has a lot to play for in 2022, beyond his previous team’s success. A huge pay raise and accolades, as well as fans’ respect, could be a huge motivating factor.
Honestly, Edwards-Helaire’s previous scrimmage yard mark is easily surpassable and remains healthy. His previous high came in his rookie year when he totaled 1,100 scrimmage yards in 13 games. Edwards-Helaire only appeared in 10 regular season games in 2021, so a full off-season of rehab will do the former LSU Tiger some good.
Without a clear do-it-all RB2 option behind him, plus an offensive shift following Hill’s departure, an established veteran like Edwards-Helaire could struggle in the Chiefs’ 2022 offense.