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Arizona Cardinals: A Compelling Case for Jamaal Charles

By Isaiah Addair

Oct 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Arizona Cardinals are looking for a player to stabilize the run-game, and Jamaal Charles is looking for a contender.

During the 2016 season, Cardinals’ running back David Johnson performed at an All-Pro level consistently. Johnson, known by some fans as the “Humble Rumble”, averaged 4+ yards per carry and recorded 20 touchdowns (16 on the ground while adding 4 via the passing game). Johnson was a Marshall Faulk-type back that rewrote the record books during his sophomore campaign, but his performance could not solidify the run-game as a whole.
According to NFL.com, the Cardinals’ offense ran for a total of 1,732 yards. Of those 1,732, David Johnson accounted for 1,239. That leaves 493 total yards that 10 other rushers compiled altogether. With the exception of Kerwynn Williams’ short late season surge and the occasional splash run by receiver J.J. Nelson, the run-game was baron when Johnson was on the sideline.

The Kansas City Chiefs releasing of long-time back Jamaal Charles may be the answer to the looming back-up running back role. Money should not be a problem when it comes to signing Charles as Arizona will have more than enough leverage.

Aside from his rookie season, Charles has only played in a full 16-game season twice while never starting all 16 games due to injury. With this injury history as well as the Cardinals’ ability to contend, Charles would likely be willing to sign a one-year “prove it” deal.

The release of Adrian Peterson only helps the Cardinals’ chances with Charles, as Peterson will receive most of the free-agency publicity.

Signing Jamaal Charles is a low-risk, high-reward scenario. At best, Charles can take advantage of a #2 role and stay healthy while taking pressure off of Johnson by maintaining his 5.5 YPC career average.

At worst, Charles once again suffers an injury and Arizona wastes little cap space. A situation such as this is where General Manager Keim excels. Now it is time to sit back and allow him to lure Charles in on one of his famous “prove it” deals.

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