Kansas City Chiefs star running back Jamaal Charles kept the team’s offense ticking behind solid game-manger quarterback Alex Smith, and the Chiefs were already worried about trying to extend their solid starting QB. Now, they will have to worry about negotiating a new contract with their most valuable player, as the NFL Network’s ultra-reliable Ian Rapoport reports that Charles will indeed hold out of training camp today, unless if what Rapoport terms as a “contract breakthrough” transpires. So unless John Dorsey and the Chiefs get something done extremely quickly, Charles won’t report today.
Arrowhead Addict
It will be interesting to see how long this drags out, because it looks like Charles is very serious about this holdout. Rapoport reports that the superstar running back believes he’s worth more than his current deal based on his play on the field, and it would be unwise to disagree with this assertion. Charles racked up 1,287 rushing yards last season, 70 catches, and 19 touchdowns, as he was critical in the Chiefs playoff run. The year before, he was even better on the ground with over 1,500 rushing yards.
In the prime of his career at 27, Charles will make $2.65 million this season and $4.75 million next season, so he’s definitely underpaid at this point. RBs don’t last too long in this league, so Charles knows he has to take advantage and squeeze every penny possible in the prime of his career. He’s also willing to sacrifice a $1 million reporting bonus to do it.