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Chiefs Ship Off Veteran Playmaker in Stunning Projected Trade

By Joseph Grassano

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) carries the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) defends during the first half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) carries the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) defends during the first half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The Kansas City Chiefs have relied on their run game more than usual this season. Through seven games, the Chiefs have rushed the ball 218 times, which is already more then half of their 417 carries they have the past two seasons.

The Chiefs' increase in rushing attempts this season is because their wide receiving corps is depleted due to injuries. Their running back room currently consists of Kareem Hunt, Carson Steele, Samaje Perine, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and an injured Isiah Pacheco.

While Pacheco's return is still uncertain, he will be back in the lineup at some point this season. This would leave the Chiefs with five running backs on their active roster, meaning they would certainly move on from one.

Although Pacheco is likely not to be back before the trade deadline, moving one of them via trade before he returns would be smart. The two running backs on the Chiefs roster that might gain trade interest are Perine and Edwards-Helaire.

Edwards-Helaire is the younger of the two backs at 25 years old, meaning he is the more valuable asset. One team that could benefit from having Edwards-Helaire in their backfield is the Dallas Cowboys.

Chiefs Send Clyde Edwards-Helaire to Cowboys in Projected trade

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Trade

The Chiefs drafted Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Since then, Edwards-Helaire has proven to be a dual-threat back, carrying the ball 441 times for 1845 rushing yards, scoring 12 rushing touchdowns. Edwards-Helaire has also caught 89 passes on 122 targets for 765 yards and has seven receiving touchdowns.

Edwards-Helaire's best season was his rookie year, with 1,100 all-purpose yards (893 rushing and 297 receiving) and five touchdowns. Since then, Edwards-Helaire's production has decreased because of injuries and Pacheco's introduction to the team.

Despite his dip in production, Edwards-Helaire received a four-year deal worth $2.7 million annually from the Chiefs this past offseason. Although that's not a giant salary, moving Edwards-Helaire would free up cap space and give him a new opportunity.

For the Cowboys, Edwards-Helaire would be a boost to their running game. Currently, the Cowboys have the worst rushing attack in the NFL, with only 519 yards this season. This is a result of having Ezekiel Elliott, who is washed up, and Rico Dowdle as their lead-backs.

Adding Edwards-Helaire would give the Cowboys more youth and speed in their backfield. As well as help out Dak Prescott, meaning this trade would be a win for both teams.

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