CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The Broncos have made no secret of their desire to diversify their backfield this season. They attempted to acquire the Cleveland Browns' No. 12 pick in the first round for a chance at Christian McCaffrey, before recognizing he would be gone before then. And they called on free agent Danny Woodhead prior to his signing with the Baltimore Ravens.
So it makes sense that Denver has interest in free agent Jamaal Charles. The Broncos will host the veteran running back for a visit on Tuesday.
"He's had a great career with some setbacks due to injury, so we'll see where he is," general manager John Elway told 850 KOA.
The Kansas City Chiefs cut Charles this offseason, saving roughly $6 million in cap space after injuries led to his replacement by Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West. Charles, 30, struggled to recover from a torn ACL suffered in 2015. He played five games that season and only three a year ago before swelling in his knee forced him to the sidelines.
When healthy, Charles ranked as one of the NFL's most reliable backs. A third-round pick in 2008, Charles became the Chiefs' all-time leading rusher, compiling 7,260 yards in nine seasons. He added 2,457 yards receiving, producing four Pro Bowl berths and career-best 19 touchdowns in 2013. It remains to be seen how much Charles has left. He has been posting workout videos on social media showing his athleticism and progress from his last injury.
The Broncos represent a potential soft landing spot for the type of back new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy has shown he can exploit schematically. In Woodhead's two seasons without major injuries with McCoy in San Diego, he hauled in 76 passes in 2013 and 80 in 2015 with six touchdowns.
Charles is no stranger to Broncos' fans. He has done consistent damage against Denver, totaling 1,175 yards and seven touchdowns combined rushing and receiving in 13 games.
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