Philadelphia Eagles must avoid signing Jamaal Charles this offseason

In need of a new starting running back as the team heads towards the 2017 season, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be involved in scouting almost every top running back available this offseason. With so many talented backs likely to be available in the draft and during free agency, the Eagles will likely have their pick of which players to pursue.

One player that could be on the free agent market this offseason is current Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles. A nine-year pro of the league, Charles has spent his entire career playing for the Chiefs. That said, his career has not been without its share of ups and down, especially in the injury department.

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Since 2011, Charles has had three separate knee injuries, two that involved torn ACL’s. Over the last two years, these injuries have really taken their toll as Charles has only played in eight games since 2015. Likely to hit free agency this offseason, Charles is someone that carries a lot of talent and name recognition but also a lot of risk.

To me, that risk is reason enough to avoid him during free agency. Adding to his back-to-back seasons with knee injuries is the fact that he is 30 years old now. Past his prime for the running back position, Charles will only continue to decline in the coming seasons. With many other talented running backs out there, the team can easily get someone younger and just as talented this offseason.

Another factor for me is that Charles has always been a speed related running back. With Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood at the position, the Eagles are lacking someone that can run between the tackles. As Charles is not this type of player, his signing would really be a wasteful one for a team that does not possess a lot of cap space.

With so many other options out there, the Philadelphia Eagles would be best served avoiding Jamaal Charles this offseason. If they do sign him, I fear it would only result in even more mediocrity from the running back position.

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