By Ross Jackson
As OTAs continue, a lot of excitement around the new faces of the New Orleans Saints is bubbling up. However, with the excitement of young rookies joining a team comes the potential for them to push established veterans out of roles or roster spots.
Some incumbent Saints are going to have a lot of new competition incoming. At the same time, they have an effectively all-new coaching staff to convince in the meanwhile. There will be no loyalties and nothing given this offseason.
This series will focus on returning Saints that are in for a fight for their roles. Because of the nature of this offseason and the extensive amount of change throughout, the list is long, so we’ll take it one at a time.
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
There weren’t a ton of bright spots late in the Saints’ 2024 season. After injuries ransacked the roster and coaches were fired, the season turned into a series of evaluation games as it closed. A chance to get a look at newer faces and young players.
One of those players who arrived in New Orleans late in the season was Baton Rouge native Edwards-Helaire.
The LSU Tiger was given a chance to live out his dream of playing for his home state Saints. Now, after being re-signed this offseason, he’ll battle for a role with the team’s new coaching staff.
Why Edwards-Helaire Has a Solid Chance
Aside from star back Alvin Kamara, Edwards-Helaire is the most experienced player in the position room. Going into his sixth NFL season, the 2020 first-round pick brings scheme versatility and a familiarity with the NFL game and speed with him.
He is also a solid contributor as a pass-blocker in the backfield and pass-catcher from the position, which makes him a three-down contributor.
He has the exposure to the game, flexibility and maturity to be an asset both on and off of the field.
Rizzi on the #Saints adding Clyde Edwards-Helaire to the practice squad pic.twitter.com/MIBK7KU7G4
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 19, 2024
What Stands in Edwards-Helaire’s Way
The biggest hurdle for the back will be the room he’s in. Along with Kamara, the running back room includes Kendre Miller, Velus Jones Jr., Xazavian Valladay and now, exciting rookie Devin Neal and undrafted standout Marcus Yarns.
For a group that will likely keep four or five players on the active roster and practice squad combined, the veteran has a lot of competition, and there is a lot of promising talent involved.
One spot is a lock already: Kamara’s. Meanwhile, drafted pieces like Miller and Neal are about as close as they can be to locks bearing in mind the context of their acquisitions.
Edwards-Helaire could well be in store for one of the remaining spots, a very realistic outcome. He’ll need to show that he fits new head coach Kellen Moore’s offense and can be a key contributor as a pass-blocker. Both those elements of his game both come naturally. If he can, and stays healthy, the competition should be manageable.
Prediction
Edwards-Helaire lands as one of the final running back options in the active roster or a comfortable spot on the practice squad. If he lands in the practice squad, he’ll see three elevations before the season is done and very well could find his way back to the active roster depending on injury at the position.
More Vet Status
