Denver Broncos Offseason: Re-sign Jamaal Charles

Through the tumultuous season that was, Denver Broncos running back Jamaal Charles should be strongly considered to be retained next season.

ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 24: Jamaal Charles #28 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball during an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on September 24, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Jamaal Charles is a free agent in 2018, but the Denver Broncos should do all they can to re-sign him.

Charles lacked significant playing time and became inactive late in the season. The Broncos running back never achieved his incentive bonus of $100,000.

There are three significant reasons to re-signing him.

First, Charles was healthy. Charles went through the entire season unscathed and a clean bill of health. He has battled numerous knee injuries in the past, but this season showed good movement and no restrictions when given the opportunity.

Health is always the top concern for a running back in his 30s. Charles passed that first big test with flying colors.

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Second, it appeared Charles still showed his big play ability with the ball in his hands. Charles still owns the best yards per attempt of any running back in NFL history (5.4). Yes, that is higher than Jim Brown, Barry Sanders and Gale Sayers.

Charles’ touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills is reminiscent of the player he was, and still is capable of being. Bill Musgrave’s offense for 2018 should include Charles as starter next year for the Broncos.

Lastly, players showed outspoken in support of Jamaal Charles wanting out. In a detailed article by Ryan Koenigsberg of BSN Denver, there were numerous players who talked about Charles’ comments late in the year.

This alone says the rest of the Broncos players have the most utmost respect for Charles and in the locker room. If John Elway is listening, he should re-sign Charles.

Demaryius Thomas understands Charles’ frustration.

"“I can totally understand it, man. Especially coming off of the injuries he’s had and just hearing all the naysayers say he can’t do this, he can’t do that.” Thomas to BSN Denver"

Thomas referenced Charles only fumble in the Kansas City Chiefs game as a possible outlier of how Charles felt.

"Just being a veteran and seeing him work every day and seeing what he can do, I’d be frustrated as well. I think he can play, just being a teammate, you know? Every time he got in before that fumble, he made stuff happen.”Demaryius Thomas"

One player in particular talked to Charles every day. Zach Kerr gave his comments regarding Charles “released” statement late in the season.

"“From a business standpoint, from a player’s standpoint, from a personal standpoint, a guy who averages five yards a carry in his career, obviously that guy wants to play football. It’s just a guy that’s passionate about his job. Obviously, you can understand. All that stuff, being a player, wanting to play….. obviously, you can understand where he’s coming from.”Zach Kerr (via BSN)"

Furthermore, Kerr continued to add about Charles love for the Broncos locker room. It is a locker room that will be the biggest supporter In wanting him back here with the orange and blue.

Moreover, it is unclear what the plans will be at running back next year. But the Broncos should take the full season of training wheels off Charles and make him a full-time starter. Re-sign him to a two-year deal and call it good.

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