Decision #4: Jamaal Charles
Lost in the flurry of rumors around quarterbacks and Eric Berry is the fact that the Chiefs single greatest offensive weapon is a financial liability in 2017. As if Dorsey didn’t have enough to deal with, he also has to figure out what to do about Jamaal Charles’ contract.
The Chiefs have very little cap room at this point at $5.1 million (per Over the Cap), although that number is obviously fluid and unofficial, which means Dorsey will have to work some magic to create some necessary space. Charles is often mentioned as a potential cut or at least a player to restructure due to the fact that his 2017 cap hit is $6.19 million with absolutely no penalty if he’s released. For a player, especially a running back, who has made five starts since 2014, that’s a lot of money. If there’s any position the Chiefs could go cheap, it’s at running back where the draft class is loaded with talent and a late round option could easily give some meaningful reps.
But in case you’ve forgotten, Charles isn’t an easily replaceable talent. In fact, he’s the NFL’s career leader in yards per carry with a 5.5 average. He’s also the franchise’s all-time rushing leader with 7,260 yards. When he’s healthy, he’s arguably the most elite offensive weapon in the NFL. In case you’ve forgotten:
Dorsey has a serious decision to make to either restructure Charles’ deal, cut him outright or keep him on the books and work around the money owed.