Packers Rumors: Another Jamaal Charles to Green Bay Report
The Packers have been once again linked to free agent running back Jamaal Charles.
NFL.com reporter Mike Garafolo said on NFL Network that while Charles has been linked to several teams, the Packers are one of them.
“I know there’s been some chatter about (Charles) potentially joining the Green Bay Packers,” he reported.
This is the second time NFL Network has reported interest between the Packers and Charles. In early March, Ian Rapoport reported the Packers are considered a potential landing spot for Charles.
Both statements by Rapoport and Garafolo make it cloudy exactly whether the Packers are the ones who are interested in Charles, or if it’s Charles who is interested in Green Bay. If it is Charles and his representation more interested in Green Bay than the opposite, then it’s unlikely a deal will be struck.
Would Jamaal Charles fit in Green Bay?
The Packers need their running backs to do these three things well:
- Run well out of shotgun
- Catch passes out of the backfield
- Pass block for Aaron Rodgers
Charles would seem to tick all three boxes, but his injury concerns are extensive. Since 2011, the running back has suffered three significant knee injuries in three separate seasons.
Additionally, Charles game is built on speed and elusiveness. Besides his knee injuries, Charles is 31 years old and played just 290 snaps over the past two years.
Because of his injury history and inability to finish a season, it’s unlikely any team considers Charles as an every down back. Ideally, Charles is a complimentary, affordable veteran.
Unfortunately, the Packers already have a complimentary, affordable veteran at running back in Christine Michael. Michael re-signed with the Packers on a one-year deal earlier this offseason.
Will Jamaal Charles sign with the Packers?
At this point, it’s a long shot.
The best path for Charles to sign in Green Bay is to hope that Ted Thompson and the Packers front office is so committed to drafting defense this week that they forget about the offense.
If Green Bay passes on selecting a running back, it’s possible they may look to bring in an additional veteran back to camp.
Considering Latavius Murray, Adrian Peterson and Eddie Lacy have all signed with teams, and LeGarrette Blount close to signing, Charles remains the most attractive option on the free agent running back market.
Whether he’ll be around by the time the Packers are interested will remain to be seen.
