Does it feel like we are approaching the NFL free agency season? Considering the amount of content that ties current, potential and soon-to-be free agents to various teams has kicked up a few notches this week, it certainly seems so.
The Philadelphia Eagles are one team that has been tied to a few pending free agents, such as Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills and Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson and we can add a new free agent to that list.
Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles.
“I’ve got some history with him in Kansas City for three years,” Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said. “I think he’s a tremendous running back and it’s something that we’ll evaluate now. And we’ll grade him just like we do every free agent and every person that’s released and see where he can fit into our offense.”
Charles was waived by Kansas City earlier this week per a failed physical designation, making him a free agent.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was raving about Charles as a player.
“Jamaal’s one of my favorite guys to coach,” Reid said. “He did everything for us, from running inside — not a very big guy, but fearless — had the speed outside, world class speed, to turn the corner, had great hands. On top of that he’s a great kid. Dirty tough. You hate that situation. Whether he decides to play or not that’s up to him. But he doesn’t need to. He’s got a great legacy…but we all do get older and that’s the way the National Football League is today. I wish him the best in everything he does. Future Hall of Famer too.”
Philadelphia could sport a crowded backfield if Charles is added to the mix. The Eagles have Wendell Smallwood, Ryan Mathews and Pederson said that the team plans to retain Darren Sproles as well.
“Darren will be back, yes,” Pederson said.
Mathews could be a candidate for release.