Jamaal Charles, running back, Denver Broncos
When Charles signed with Denver earlier in the offseason, most figured that he would earn the team’s starting running back spot. After all, an injury plagued C.J. Anderson and still inexperienced Devontae Booker struggled on the ground last season. More so than signing Charles away from the division-rival Chiefs, this move was meant to give a struggling passing game some help on offense.
Then, news came out about the terms of the contract. Charles, who has played in a grand total of eight games the past two seasons, was not guaranteed a single penny. Shortly after that news broke, reports came out suggesting that Charles had a 50 percent chance of making the final 53-man roster (more on that here).
It could really be a numbers issue here. Anderson and Booker are locks to make the roster. Meanwhile, undrafted rookie free agent De’Angelo Henderson has looked great during OTAs. If Charles can’t beat out Anderson or Booker for one of the top-two spots, there’s no real reason for Denver to keep him over Henderson. That’s the sad reality of the situation for the four-time Pro Bowler.