Chiefs rumors: 3 players who won’t be on roster after NFL Draft

Players the Chiefs could cut after the 2023 NFL Draft: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB

Look, the writing was already on the wall last year. When we saw Clyde Edwards-Helaire ultimately lose his job to rookie Isiah Pacheco, that was our first clue. But, the clues kept coming, including when the former first-round running back was inactive for Super Bowl LVII, even though he was reinstated from injured reserve.

As if we needed any more clues, the Chiefs have been doing their homework on 2023 rookie running back prospects.

At this year’s Combine, KMBC reporter Jackson Kurtz spoke with Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn, who confirmed he had met with the Chiefs.

Vaughn, for example, is a high-volume running back who ran for over 2,900 yards and 27 touchdowns over his last two seasons at Kansas State. If the Chiefs are looking at guys like Vaughn, then they are looking to pair Pacheco with another capable back in a one-two punch type of back field.

Pacheco showed he had the juice last year, and for Edwards-Helaire, it simply feels like his time is up in Kansas City. We even saw some trade rumors involving his name just a month ago, before free agency kicked off.

For the Chiefs’ sake, and for his sake, a post-draft release would make a lot of sense, giving him a chance to find a new team and continue his pro career.