We knew that Kansas City Chiefs stars like Alex Smith and linebacker Justin Houston were seeking new contracts. We can add running back Jamaal Charles to that list.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Charles may not show up at the start of training camp while the team works on a new deal with his representatives, according to a source close to the situation. The Chiefs have known for some time that Charles was highly unlikely to play for them in 2014 on his current deal.
The two sides have talked about a new contract, which would solve the issue. At this point, whether he shows up or not appears predicated on the progress on a new contract.
Houston, meanwhile, will show up to camp on time, according to Rapoport. Houston skipped mandatory minicamp, so he has been viewed all offseason as a potential camp holdout.
Charles can make a strong argument that he's underpaid. He accounted for more than 35 percent of the Chiefs' offense, easily the highest number of any player in the league. Charles signed a six-year, $27.97 million contract in 2010, but he's due just $3.65 million in 2014. That doesn't reflect his status as one of the five-best running backs in football. Charles finished second in the NFL with 1,980 yards from scrimmage and led the NFL with 19 rushing and receiving touchdowns in 2013.
Chiefs fans shouldn't be too concerned. Most offseason contract disputes end happily, well before the real games begin. Kansas City's front office knows how much Charles is worth, and we'd expect the two sides to come to some agreement.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" shines a light on the most unpredictable teams entering the 2014 season.
