Jamaal Charles Worth a Gamble for the Seattle Seahawks
By Paul Taylor
The Seahawks and Jamaal Charles reportedly have a mutual interest, but is the two-time First-team All Pro worth bringing to Seattle?
As Ben Renner wrote on Wednesday, Adrian Peterson‘s interest in the Seattle Seahawks seems to be unrequited. However, there appears to be a more positive response in respect of Jamaal Charles.
As reported by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, there is a mutual interest between Charles and the Seahawks. Rapoport goes on to say a visit is expected to Seattle in the near future.
The question is, if Peterson isn’t an option, why is the former Kansas City Chiefs’ third round draft pick a consideration? After all, both players are in their 30’s, and have dealt with major injury issues in recent seasons.
One of the main reasons comes down to the system the Seahawks run. During their respective NFL careers, Charles has proven more adept than Peterson, when it comes to playing from the shotgun formation.
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However, this doesn’t change the fact, the two-time First-team All-Pro has struggled to stay healthy of late. He has suffered knee issues in each of the previous two seasons, limiting him to eight games and 404 rushing yards.
Fortunately for the Seahawks, it is these injury concerns which could work to their advantage. They are likely to offer a short-term, incentive-based contract – something which Charles will be theoretically more willing to accept, under the circumstances.
Further, there is little denying the Seahawks could use some more insurance at the running back position. Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise both have the talent, but similarly have so far shown an inability to remain healthy.
The four-time Pro Bowler has built up an impressive resume during his nine-year NFL career, including leading the league in rushing in 2013. He is also currently the all-time leader in career yards-per-carry among running backs. (750 carries needed to qualify.)
Overall, the likelihood of Charles returning to his previous form is low. However, assuming the Seahawks do manage to agree a cheap deal with him, he is certainly worth the gamble, because you never know…
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What’s your take on the apparent mutual interest between the Seahawks and Charles? Would you like to see him in Seattle, or would you prefer the front office look elsewhere to boost the running back position? Share your thoughts in the comments section.