Report: Broncos don't let Jamaal Charles leave town without striking deal
Jamaal Charles has had a remarkable NFL career, but his phone wasn’t blowing up when he became a free agent.
Charles was a free agent since the Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with him a couple months ago, but his time of unemployment ended Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Broncos gave former Chiefs' RB Jamaal Charles a one-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 2, 2017
The #Broncos have struck a deal with RB Jamaal Charles for 1 year, up to $3.75M, source said
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 2, 2017
Charles visited the Broncos on Tuesday. The Broncos are familiar with Charles too, after facing him twice a season as AFC West rivals.
The Broncos needed some tailback depth, but didn’t draft anyone until the sixth round of last week’s draft. Like some other veterans, Charles had to wait for teams to see if they landed a back in a deep draft before his market picked up.
Charles is a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time first-team All-Pro. His 5.5 yards per rushing attempt is second for any running back in NFL history , behind only Marion Motley. Jim Brown is next on the list, at 5.2.
What does Charles have left? He has played just eight games over the past two seasons due to injuries. He came back slow last season from a torn ACL the season before. For a back whose calling card is speed, the lower body injuries are a concern.
The Broncos wouldn’t be looking for Charles to be the lead back. That’s C.J. Anderson’s job. However, perhaps Charles could be a nice change-of-pace back. He has waited a while for someone to give him another shot.
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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