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The Seattle Seahawks once signed defensive ends Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril within days of each other, doubling down at a position that didn’t seem to be of dire need at the time and it worked out wonderfully. Perhaps that’s what they’ll do at running back this year.
Though the Seahawks signed running back Eddie Lacy on Tuesday, they are still meeting with Jamaal Charles on Thursday. Charles, a former college teammate and close personal friend of Seattle safety Earl Thomas, was a two-time All-Pro during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs but has missed most of the last two seasons. He’s also 30 and for all intents and purposes may not have anything left in the tank. But that’s something that could make him a great value for the Seahawks, or any team that signs him, because he should come at a very low price despite averaging 5.5 yards per carry over the course of his entire career.
If signed by Seattle, I’d expect Charles to simply be added to the competition for August’s training camp/preseason and just see what happens. Last year, the team was often left with question marks at running back due to injuries suffered by Thomas Rawls, C.J. Prosise, and just about anyone who carried the ball. I have a hard time expecting Rawls, Lacy, Charles, and Prosise to all make the final roster — and I would be stunned if Rawls, Lacy, or Prosise were cut for any reason — but it may turn out that an injury happens between now and then that allows Charles to become a viable part of the offense to open the season. It may turn out that he plays so well and looks as good as he did in the past that the Seahawks have no choice but to carry these four prominent backs.
At an expected cost of no guaranteed money, it would be crazy to not be interested in Jamaal Charles.