Jamaal Charles has been a star (when healthy) in Kansas City's offense, but he's starting to get up there in years for a running back. He turned 29 in December. The team, accordingly, is locking up the player or players that will eventually take over for him.
Kansas City signed both Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware to contract extensions yesterday. Both are now locked up through the 2018 season. It seems a little unusual to make sure to have the second- and third-string running backs under contract for three years out, unless you're planning on using them plenty in 2016, as well.
In Charles' four healthy seasons from 2010-2014 (he played only two games in 2011), he averaged close to 300 offensive touches: 245 runs, 48 receptions. Seems likely he'll give up a healthy chunk of those carries to Ware (perhaps including goal-line work) and receptions to West in 2016. Probably still be their lead back, but a reduced workload is coming.
With those backs locked up, Knile Davis appears to be on the outs. The team is reportedly hoping to trade him. Just a couple of years ago Davis looked like one of the better No. 2 running backs in the league. Now he's the fourth-string back and will likely fetch only a late-round pick (at best) if the team is able to trade him. He may even be released.
In any case, doesn't look like anyone should be falling over themselves to select Charles at the top of fantasy drafts this summer. His days of 300 touches figure to be over.
--Andy Richardson
