WEDNESDAY, 8:35am: Unless he and the Chiefs have a breakthrough in contract talks, Charles will not report for training camp today, says Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). As Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com notes (via Twitter), the running back’s contract includes a $1MM reporting bonus, so if he decides not to show up, it may signal that he’s digging in his heels.
TUESDAY, 6:23pm: The Chiefs have discussed a new contract with running back Jamaal Charles, sources tell Adam Telcher of ESPN.com. While Telcher hears the Chiefs believe Charles will report to camp on time, Brad Fanning of KCTV5 (via Brad Stephens on Twitter) hears that the running back won’t be reporting to camp.
Charles, 27, is scheduled to make $3.9MM from the Chiefs this year when factoring in his bonuses and is slated to earn $6MM in 2015. After coming off of what might be his best NFL season, Charles is looking for a payday comparable closer to Matt Forte of the Bears ($6.9MM) and the Eagles LeSean McCoy ($8MM). Charles led the Chiefs in rushing (1,287 yards), receiving (70 catches), and touchdowns (19), setting career highs in the last two categories.
The Chiefs are also facing contract issues with two other key players, quarterback Alex Smith and linebacker Justin Houston with both headed into the final seasons of their contracts. Houston held out from offseason practice, including a mandatory three-day mini-camp. Now, Charles could ratchet up the pressure on KC by staying home during training camp.