Saints Snubbed by Veteran RB Who Picks Former Team Over New Orleans

The Saints moving on from Clyde Edwards-Helaire doesn't mean they didn't like the player. Instead, they might believe they have a better option already on the roster.

Many New Orleans Saints fans expected Clyde Edwards-Helaire to sign on the practice squad after being cut ahead of the 53 man roster deadline. A different type of reunion took place when the five year NFL veteran chose to return to Kansas City. This isn’t ideal for New Orleans, but them moving on from Edwards-Helaire in the first place shows the confidence they have in the room.

First off, losing Edwards-Helaire hurts the Saints, especially in the locker room. The Louisiana native brought an energetic, positive presence to the room. His passion on and off the field was contagious. Besides that, he was a solid third-down back the Saints could trust to be a blocker or an option in the receiving game.

The Saints running back room was crowded this offseason. Every player, as Kellen Moore says, had their own “superpower," or something that sets them apart from the competition. Alvin Kamara has too many, Kendre Miller has the explosive potential, Devin Neal is a rookie with amazing collegiate production and Velus Jones Jr. is a converted wide receiver with special teams ability. Although it was a tough cut, Edwards-Helaire just couldn’t stand out enough to warrant a roster spot.

Rookie Devin Neal can fill Edwards-Helaire’s role

Moving on from Edwards-Helaire opens the door for Devin Neal to have an expanded role. The rookie from Kansas can fill that third down back role perfectly. He’s a technically sound pass blocker and a more than capable option in the receiving game. Edwards-Helaire being cut is less about the team’s opinion on the veteran and more about their thoughts on the rookie.

Neal was limited during training camp and the preseason because of a hamstring injury. He was able to participate in the final preseason game and impressed the staff. Neal totaled five carries for 20 yards on the ground and two receptions for 10 yards through the air. His showing in these limited snaps was enough for the coaching staff to feel comfortable about moving on from Edwards-Helaire, solidifying him as the third option.

The Saints made a statement by moving on from Clyde Edwards-Helaire. They believe in Devin Neal to be a productive back behind Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller. Only time will tell if that was the right move.

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