The Chiefs are releasing running back Jamaal Charles, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The move has been anticipated for some time given Charles’ injury concerns and scheduled salary for 2017. 
“On behalf of my family and the entire Kansas City Chiefs team, I’d like to thank Jamaal Charles for his contributions and dedication over the last nine seasons,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement. “Jamaal has been one of the most prolific players in our organization’s history and I have an enormous amount of respect for what he’s accomplished. He’ll always be a part of the Chiefs family, and we’ll be ready to honor him for his outstanding playing career when the time is right.”
Charles, 30, was scheduled to count for nearly $6.2MM on Kansas City’s 2017 salary cap, a figure that included a $3.75MM base salary, $1MM in per-game roster bonuses, a $2MM reporting bonus, and a $250K workout bonus. None of that money was guaranteed, however. By dropping Charles, KC has gotten out from under all of their financial obligations to the veteran.
Charles’ season ended in early November after undergoing knee surgery. His 2016 campaign finished with just 12 carries and 40 yards in three appearances. In 2015, he played in only five games, rushing 71 times for 364 yards and four touchdowns. Charles’ cap hit was not workable given all the question marks surrounding him and it remains to be seen whether the team could bring him back at a cheaper rate.
No one knows what kind of back Charles can be in 2017, but he does have an impressive resume. His 5.5 yards per carry rate is the all-time highest in the NFL and he is said to be fully healthy. The four-time Pro Bowler won’t get paid like a top running back, but he can’t be entirely counted out as a performer.
The Chiefs can take care of their running back situation in-house, leaning primarily on Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West. The team also recently added C.J. Spiller, though he is far from a lock to make the 53-man roster.
I see them either drafting one or maybe drafting/sign a WR and move Hill to HB
Does this make any sense or am I just crazy?
Hill wont move to RB. He is going to get more of the route tree to run this year. He will still get some looks at RB but not a full time position. I can see them drafting one later in the draft.
He makes perfect sense for the Eagles IMO. Low risk – high reward potential here given his familiarity with the offense.
Totally agree
I do like the fit, but he’s not exactly low risk. He’s an older running back with serious injury history.
Low risk in the sense that they don’t have a whole lot to lose if he’s ineffective.
I’d say he gets a decent sized contract, one that would add risk. Additionally, you would be passing on other options and be stuck with an ineffective backfield for longer than you need to.
Priest Holmes fades to Larry Johnson who fades to Jamar Charles who fades to Spencer Ware…
If the price is right, I can see him replacing Williams as Leveon Bells back up.
Charles will want to be the main RB. Not a backup. He’s old and oft injured but if he can prove to be healthy I could see a few teams considering him… Lions, Ravens, Bengals, Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars, Redskins, Giants.
Tons of teams are gonna offer him a pillow contract 1 year 3M guaranteed with an additional 3M in incentives. He’s likely to go to place where he can start/get a good amount of PT I could see CAR as a great choice a 2 headed monster with Stewart would allow them to focus on other positions in the first couple rounds
2 headed monster with Charles and who else? Stewart? lmao
Maybe Vikings now that they let AP walk
Good call
I think the Colts go grab him. Him and Gore could potentially be alright together.
I think that they will still look for another free agent running back, and i personally don’t know who is available but West and Ware are not our answers
He would be nice with the Saints offense ,
Raiders need to get him. He can be the #1 back and have rest with our 2 rooks now that Murray is going. Or AP.