Per NFL Trade Rumors, the Kansas City Chiefs may be in the market to part ways with RB Jamaal Charles during the trade deadline. Charles has been a huge part of the Chiefs offense since entering the NFL in 2008 but injuries have slowed down his career. With Spencer Ware getting more reps and producing, Charles looks to be the odd man out. But where would he end up?
The Detroit Lions looked to be a great fit until they went and signed Justin Forsett. The San Diego Chargers could work but I doubt if the Chiefs will be willing to trade him within the division. There are not many teams in the market for an RB but you can never have enough. At this stage in his career, Charles will want to join a team that is contending or right on the verge and he will be that missing piece. He also must understand that his days as a featured back are over and whatever situation he goes too he will have spot duty until he proves he can handle a full load again.
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Charles will cost the team $7-8M against the cap and will be a free agent in 2018 so any team that gets him will have a solid 1.5 years of his services. If he can remain healthy he is still one of, if not the most dangerous RB in the NFL, but that is a big if. His production has declined the last three seasons and that is to be expected as Kansas City literally ran him into the ground over his career.
If Charles were to catch on with a team that can offer him 200 touches out the backfield and possibly keep him fresh until the playoffs he may just be that missing link for a team like the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Colts or the Jags. Charles may have some miles on his tires but if placed in the right situation could prove beneficial to both parties.
But where?