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Earlier today, the Kansas City Chiefs released Running Back Jamaal Charles. The four-time Pro Bowler is most certainly the best Running Back in Chiefs’ history, but does that mean the Los Angeles Chargers should immediately make a move to sign him?
Health Concerns
In 2015, Jamaal Charles missed the final 11 weeks of the season with the second ACL tear of his career. He made it back by October 2016, but by then had lost his job to Spencer Ware.
Charles played in three games for the Chiefs in 2016 before being sidelined with yet another knee injury. That’s 3 of his last 6 seasons ending prematurely due to a serious knee injury.
Age Concerns
The old adage goes that Running Backs are only useful until they’re 30. Jamaal Charles turned 30 about two months ago.
Why He Might Fit
If the training staff looks him over and decides that he’s actually healthy, Charles helps to fill multiple gaps for the Chargers.
He creates a solid backup for starting Running Back Melvin Gordon, replaces Danny Woodhead as an excellent third-down Running Back, and cements himself as a veteran leader in the locker room.