JUST IN: Eagles to Sign Brilliant 2-Time Super Bowl-Winner for ‘Bargain Price’
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a running back, is currently a free agent, and the Philadelphia Eagles are being encouraged to think about adding him to their team. Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report suggested that the Eagles should pursue Edwards-Helaire, who is among the top free agents still available. With the initial rounds of free agency completed, it seems like acquiring the experienced RB could be a cost-effective move for the Eagles.
Ballentine, in his post on March 20, pointed out that as the NFL’s focus shifts towards the draft, there are some remaining opportunities that the Eagles could explore. This includes the possibility of signing free agents at reasonable prices who are looking to enhance their value by playing for a competitive team next season.
Given the Eagles’ uncertainties at the RB2 position following the signing of Saquon Barkley, a prominent free agent addition, could Clyde Edwards-Helaire be the solution they are seeking?
Eagles Could Use More Depth at Running Back
𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: #Eagles have shown interest in Troy RB Kimani Vidal, per @TonyPauline
2023:
297 CAR, 1,661 YDS, 14 TDSPhiladelphia could be looking to add more depth to their running back room as they have still yet to resign RB Boston Scott. pic.twitter.com/I3TTxtpdxA
— The Swoop Scoops (@TheSwoopScoops) March 19, 2024
Saquon Barkley is set to be the primary ball carrier for the Eagles, having signed a hefty $12.6 million per year contract. However, concerns about his injury history highlight the need for reliable depth behind him. Barkley has sat out eight games over the past three seasons, and he also had to deal with a torn ACL in the 2020 season.
While Barkley is the headline acquisition for the Eagles, there is certainly space for at least one more running back in the team’s roster. Notably, Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny have not been re-signed by the Eagles, leaving Kenneth Gainwell as the main backup option for Barkley. Given Barkley’s injury-prone past, there is a clear necessity for additional depth in the backfield.
Although there is a chance that Scott or Penny could return (Scott being the more probable option), the Eagles are likely to look for another running back through either the draft or free agency.
In the 2021 season, Gainwell, 25, recorded 84 rushes for 364 yards (averaging 4.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns across 16 games. He has not surpassed those rushing yards in any of his three seasons.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeedia, the Eagles are reportedly showing interest in Kimani Vidal, a running back from Troy University. He could be a potential target for the Eagles in the later rounds of the upcoming draft.
Is Clyde Edwards-Helaire a Suitable Option for the Philadelphia Eagles?
Clyde Edwards-Helaire : 13 carries for 37 yards; 4 catches for 64 yards & a TD (Season-high 101 yards from scrimmage) pic.twitter.com/eVKJyk1l9L
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) December 18, 2023
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, drafted by the Chiefs in the first round in 2020, has primarily been in a backup role to Isiah Pacheco in Kansas City for the past two seasons. Standing at 5’7″ and 205 pounds, he may not be physically imposing, but he possesses quick feet and strong running instincts. Although he hasn’t fully lived up to his first-round draft status, he has shown the ability to make impactful plays on the field.
In his rookie season in 2020, Edwards-Helaire had a promising performance with 181 carries for 803 yards and four touchdowns. However, injuries have hampered his playing time, limiting him to 10 games in 2021 and leading to a decreased role in 2022 behind Pacheco. Despite his career lows in rushing yards last year, he has the potential for better production when healthy.
Given his likely modest salary demands of around $1.5 million per year, acquiring Edwards-Helaire could be a cost-effective move for the Eagles. The team’s interest in him will become clearer in the near future.
