The Denver Broncos are in an offseason where they need to build their offense back to full strength. Their running back core is very deep, with CJ Anderson coming back from injury and Devontae Booker giving great effort in his rookie season. Jamaal Charles was scheduled to meet with the Broncos Tuesday, and the team was expected to sign him. All of those things came to fruition, as the Broncos signed the running back to a one-year deal. Charles has had an injury-riddled career, but when he is healthy, he is considered one of the most versatile backs in the game.
In a run heavy offense in Denver, will he be back to his former self?
Injury Woes
Jamaal Charles hasn't had the cleanest medical record since he's been in the league. Charles tore his left ACL in 2011 which forced him to miss the season. Charles tore his right ACL in 2015 and missed the remainder of that season. Last season he had arthroscopic knee surgery on both knees, limiting his contribution to the Chiefs. He eventually landed on injured reserve and was out for the rest of the season. He was released by the Chiefs at the beginning of the offseason.
One thing that is in Jamaal Charles' favor is his decreased workload. Charles won't have to carry the rock 30+ times again as he is one of three running backs that plan to run the ball this season.
Anderson and Booker proved that a running back by committee plan will work, and they also drafted De'Angelo Henderson from Coastal Carolina. Charles adds versatility, as he is a great receiver from the backfield.
Low Risk, High Reward
The Broncos got the running back they wanted at the right price. Charles' contract is a one-year deal worth up to $3.75 million.
This is low-risk move because Jamaal Charles' injury history is very complicated. If Charles ends up getting hurt again, the Broncos won't have to worry about having him on contract for the following year. Charles can use this year to prove that he still has what it takes to be a premier running back. The Broncos could get a very good return on a small time investment.
When Charles is healthy, he is a dominant back. During his time in Kansas City, he had five seasons where he rushed for over 1,000 yards. Charles averages 5.5 yards per carry in the league, which is one of the best in league history. Charles has deceptive speed which will work for the Broncos in their stretch run system. Charles is one of the Chiefs all-time leading rushers with 7,260 yards.
The Broncos are getting a versatile running back while Charles gets a chance at redemption. This was the best situation for both sides, as they both needed each other in order to succeed. Jamaal Charles is ready to get back to work and prove that even though he'll be turning 31, he still got some juice left in the tank.
