NFL Rumors: Eagles Considering Signing RB Jamaal Charles?

USA Today

After nine seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, veteran running back Jamaal Charles has hit the free agent market in the NFL. Charles, who has suffered multiple severe knee injuries, will attempt to continue his career in the league at age 30.

There’s no telling what the market will be for a 30-year-old running back coming off yet another knee injury. When healthy, Charles is arguably one of the best backs in the league with the ability to carry an entire offense. Now, after coming off knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, he’s viewed as a risky signing and a player potentially past his prime.

Although there’s an obvious risk in signing Charles, the Philadelphia Eagles may consider the move during the NFL offseason. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said the following about Charles, via Tim McManus of ESPN:

“I’ve got history with him in Kansas City for three years. I think he’s a tremendous running back, and it’s something that we’ll evaluate now,” Pederson told reporters. “We’ll grade him just like we do every free agent and every person that’s released and see where he could fit into our offense.”

Ryan Matthews shared the backfield with veteran Darren Sproles in Philadelphia this past season. The former San Diego Chargers running back had a decent year with the Eagles racking up 776 yards from scrimmage to go along with a total of 10 touchdowns.

Matthews, however, may be cut once he recovers from neck surgery. This will leave the team with Sproles and Wendell Smallwood in the backfield meaning they’ll be looking to add another back with Charles seemingly a candidate to help fill the void in Philadelphia.

The Eagles could also try their luck with the recently released Adrian Peterson or throw a long-term deal at Latavius Murray who may not return to the Oakland Raiders.