The Jamaal Charles situation with the Kansas City Chiefs illustrates difficult a lasting relationship between player and franchise can be in the modern NFL.
The contract Charles is currently under presents problem for John Dorsey and the Chiefs’ leadership. He signed that contract in 2014. It was a deal made by a player showing loyalty to the franchise and a franchise rewarding the player for excellent performance. Three seasons later in which the bulk of two seasons we lost to injury, the contract sits at an untenable position. In 2017, Charles is due to make significant a salary of $3.75 million as well as roster bonuses of $3 million and a workout bonus of $250k. Charles carries a cap number of $6.19 million dollars into the 2017 league year.
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The bigger worry is Charles’ physical condition. Very little has been reported on his progress in recovery from the meniscus repairs he had following his short-lived return from an ACL repair. In light of these injuries, the contract may be a moot point if Charles is not able to return to the field. If he’s unable to participate in offseason activities, the decision may make itself.
The player and the team have portrayed mutual respect for each other for the most part. Loyalty, as well as what Charles means to the franchise’s history, will definitely play a part and whether a new contractual agreement can be met
For my point of view, Jamaal Charles deserves to be an NFL Hall of Famer. The Terrell Davis Hall of fame selection solidifies that in my eyes. It’s never an easy thing for a franchise and one of its Hall of Famers to part ways. I expect a contract with low impact to the salary cap may be difficult but in the end will be the only way for Charles to remain a Chief. The two sides likely want that type of agreement to work out.
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