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Jamaal Charles Signs With Denver Broncos
Jamaal Charles signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, the team announced. The deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, is worth up to $3.75 million.

Denver was in need of a running back to join C.J. Anderson after trading Kapri Bibbs to San Francisco in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2018 draft.

"I always wanted to play for Denver," Charles said during a conference call Tuesday. "I still feel like I can still play ball."

That comment could certainly be construed as a shot at his former team.

The tailback was released by the Chiefs in Feburary after nine seasons in Kansas City, an AFC West rival of the Broncos. So while Charles might or might not have actually always wanted to be a Bronco, his current stance is understandable -- although not really relevant.

Of greater importance to fantasy owners is what Charles brings to table in Denver.

Remember, Charles boasts the highest yards-per-carry average in NFL history, but recurring knee injuries have kept him off the field for much of the last two seasons. Charles tore his right ACL in 2015 and appeared ready to return in 2016 before a meniscus operation in November ended his campaign after just 12 carries in three games.

The Broncos first needed Charles to a pass physical before putting a contract in front of him. Charles completed the physical before returning to the team's facility to put pen to paper.

So, as Profootballtalk.com suggested, the Broncos obviously think he’s healthy enough to warrant a longer look this offseason. Their hope is likely that Charles can recapture the skills that made him a threat as both a runner and receiver during his time in Kansas City and that they will boost an offense that needs to improve on last year.

As noted above, Charles will join Anderson, Devontae Booker and sixth-round pick De’Angelo Henderson on the depth chart in Denver.

Anderson is coming off meniscus surgery performed last October. He was fully cleared to take part in the team's OTAs last month. Booker appeared to be playing well in a complimentary role behind Anderson, but the then-rookie struggled once thrust into the featured role after the veteran suffered his injury in Week 7.

Given the circumstances -- and Charles' track record for production when healthy, this is clearly a situation that merits our attention. If we Charles can flash some of his old burst and long speed as the season draws nearer, he's going to be of interest.

Nothing should be assumed as a certainly in that regard, although Charles sounds quite confident about what he has to offer.

"A lot of people see me [being done]," Charles said. "I see me going out there, helping the team win and helping the team get to the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl. That's what I see."

It should be noted the the additions of veteran offensive linemen Ronald Leary and Menelik Watson, the selection of offensive tackle Garrett Bowles in the first round of last weekend's draft, as well as the return of OC Mike McCoy, who demonstrated the ability to maximize thunder and lightning backfield combos as head coach of the Chargers, adds to the intrigue.

So it's safe to say we'll continue to watch for reasons to share in Charles' confidence as OTAs and training camp play out.