Doug Pederson Says Eagles Will Evaluate Jamaal Charles in Free Agency

The Philadelphia Eagles are considering signing free-agent running back Jamaal Charles, head coach Doug Pederson told reporters Wednesday.

"I have a history with him," Pederson said, per Turron Davenport of Eagles Wire. "He's a tremendous running back. It's something we will evaluate with him.

The Chiefs announced Tuesday they released the veteran running back after he spent nine years with the team.

While Charles is one of the greatest running backs in the franchise's history, his departure is understandable. The 30-year-old suffered season-ending injuries in 2015 and 2016, playing eight games between the two seasons.

Despite his durability issues, Charles will almost certainly find a new home this offseason, whether it's Philadelphia or another city.

Charles and Pederson spent three years together in Kansas City when Pederson was the Chiefs' offensive coordinator. Their rapport would undoubtedly help ease his transition into the Eagles offense.

Considering the composition of Philadelphia's backfield, though, it's fair to wonder whether signing Charles is a gamble the team should avoid.

Should they add Charles, the Eagles would almost assuredly release Ryan Mathews, which would mean $4 million in cap savings, per Over the Cap. Some fans may be skeptical about going from one injury-prone running back (Mathews) to another, even if Charles has a much more impressive resume.

A healthy Charles would be a major upgrade to Philadelphia's offense and provide much-needed support for quarterback Carson Wentz.

If the Eagles can sign him on a short-term, relatively inexpensive deal, then the risk will be worth the potential reward. Should a bidding war begin for Charles' services, Philadelphia would be better off going in another direction.