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NFL

If released, Jamaal Charles could be intriguing option for Eagles

With needs at several positions but not much money to go around, the Philadelphia Eagles will need to get creative this offseason as they build their team.

The Eagles currently have just under $10 million in cap space, per OverTheCap. They are expected to make several moves before the league year opens March 9 to free up resources but still won’t be in a position where they can afford to go too crazy in free agency. It seems reasonable that executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman and company could make one splash signing (wide receiver?) then wait for the second wave and search for lower-cost players to help bolster the roster.

The market will only grow over the next couple weeks as teams make salary cuts. One name worth pondering if he shakes loose is Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles. The 30-year-old veteran is set to count more than $6 million against the cap in 2017. The Chiefs, who only have about $5 million in cap space at the moment, just signed C.J. Spiller on Friday, fueling speculation that Charles might be on the move.

Though his injury history is a concern, Jamaal Charles would be a fit for the system Doug Pederson brought to Philadelphia. Jason Hanna/Getty Images

Charles’ recent injury history has to be considered. He tore his right ACL in 2015 and missed the majority of this past season as well after undergoing surgery for a meniscus tear. He also tore his left ACL in 2011.

When healthy, Charles has been dynamite. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards five times since being drafted in the third round by the Chiefs in 2008, averaging an eye-popping 5.5 yards per carry along the way with 43 touchdowns. He is also a receiving threat out of the backfield, catching 70 balls for close to 700 yards with seven touchdowns in Andy Reid’s first year with the Chiefs.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson was Charles’ offensive coordinator for three seasons in Kansas City. Safe to say, Charles is a fit for the system Pederson brought to Philadelphia, which is similar to the one Reid runs in Kansas City.

The Eagles need to add to their backfield. Ryan Mathews suffered a neck injury late last season. The expectation is that he will not be back with the team in 2017. That leaves second-year back Wendell Smallwood and the 33-year-old Darren Sproles as the two main holdovers. While both have value, it would be wise to bring in additional firepower.

As it stands, the Eagles have big holes at cornerback and wide receiver, and could use a boost at running back and along the defensive line, for starters. The team will try to address those areas this offseason. Charles would likely not command a large payday given the injury concerns but has home-run potential if the knees hold up. That could make him an intriguing option should the Chiefs let him walk.

NFL

Barnwell's 5 moves for all 32 NFL teams
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  • Bill BarnwellESPN Staff Writer

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      Bill Barnwell is a staff writer for ESPN.com.
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Some NFL teams have a lot to do before the new league year begins March 9, while others won’t have to make critical calls until the first day of the NFL draft on April 27. Click on the links below to read about the first five things that should be on the minds of each team’s brass as they prepare for the offseason.

Arizona Cardinals: Should Arizona put the franchise tag on star pass-rusher Chandler Jones or let him hit the open market? Five moves for the Cardinals.

Atlanta Falcons: What are the Falcons’ options with RB Devonta Freeman, who’s nearing the end of his cheap rookie contract? Five moves for the Falcons.

Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Williams has established himself as one of the NFL’s best nose tackles. Baltimore has to decide: Pay him or let him walk. Five moves for the Ravens.

Buffalo Bills: Should the Bills stick with quarterback Tyrod Taylor or start over with someone fresh in the draft or free agency? Five moves for the Bills.

Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have a clear need for a deep threat at wide receiver. Who makes the most sense for Carolina to target in free agency? Five moves for the Panthers.

Chicago Bears: Chicago has the option of putting the franchise tag on WR Alshon Jeffery. But is he worth $17.5 million for 2017? Five moves for the Bears.

Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Eifert is entering the final season of his rookie contract. Should the Bengals extend him now or wait to see if he can stay healthy? Five moves for the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns: Which makes more sense for Cleveland: draft a quarterback in the first round or target one in free agency? Five moves for the Browns.

Dallas Cowboys: What kind of value should the Cowboys be looking for when fielding trade offers for quarterback Tony Romo? Five moves for the Cowboys.

Denver Broncos: The Broncos have two young quarterbacks on the roster, but should they go all-in for Romo? Five moves for the Broncos.

Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah had only two sacks in 2016. Is now really the time for the Lions to sign the pass-rusher to an extension? Five moves for the Lions.

Green Bay Packers: What should the Packers do about their gaping hole at running back? Do any big names make sense? Five moves for the Packers.

Houston Texans: The Texans need a quarterback and Jimmy Garoppolo could be an option. What would they have to give up to get him? Five moves for the Texans.

Indianapolis Colts: How should the Colts address their massive void at pass-rusher with the free-agent market looking as if it will be thin at the position? Five moves for the Colts.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars have the money to give Allen Robinson an extension. What can they expect to pay for the WR? Five moves for the Jaguars.

Kansas City Chiefs: Both Eric Berry and Dontari Poe are set to hit the free-agent market. Is it possible for K.C. to keep both of them? Five moves for the Chiefs.

Los Angeles Chargers: Should the Chargers sign pass-rusher Melvin Ingram to a long-term deal or let him play with the franchise tag? Five moves for the Chargers.

Los Angeles Rams: The Rams let CB Janoris Jenkins walk in free agency last year. Can they really afford to let Trumaine Johnson leave too? Five moves for the Rams.

Miami Dolphins: Free-agent-to-be Kenny Stills had nine TDs in 2016. Is that reason enough for the Dolphins to re-sign him? Five moves for the Dolphins.

Minnesota Vikings: How should the Vikings handle Adrian Peterson’s $18 million cap hit, the highest (by far) for a running back? Five moves for the Vikings.

New England Patriots: How much leverage do the Patriots have in Jimmy Garoppolo trade negotiations, and should they move the QB? Five moves for the Patriots.

New Orleans Saints: How can New Orleans fill its void at pass-rusher without breaking the bank in free agency? Five moves for the Saints.

New York Giants: The Giants have two key defensive linemen getting ready to hit free agency. Should they retain both Jason Pierre-Paul and Johnathan Hankins? Five moves for the Giants.

New York Jets: The Jets (again) have a hole at quarterback with no heir apparent on the roster. What are they to do now? Five moves for the Jets.

Oakland Raiders: Quarterback Derek Carr has only one season left on his team-friendly rookie contract. How much should the Raiders expect to pay? Five moves for the Raiders.

Philadelphia Eagles: Does a reunion with former Eagles WR DeSean Jackson (now a free agent) make sense for Philly? Five moves for the Eagles.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Both Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are set to receive big raises. How can the Steelers make both work? Five moves for the Steelers.

San Francisco 49ers: What should the 49ers do with the No. 2 overall pick — draft a QB, trade it for a QB or take the best player available? Five moves for the 49ers.

Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Graham has only one year and $10 million left on his contract. Does it make sense to give the TE an extension? Five moves for the Seahawks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Doug Martin had a disappointing season after getting a hefty contract. Should the Bucs keep him around? Five moves for the Buccaneers.

Tennessee Titans: The Titans are fond of running two-TE sets. Which free agent makes the most sense for them to target? Five moves for the Titans.

Washington: For the second season in a row, Washington has a decision to make on QB Kirk Cousins. Is a long-term deal in the team’s future? Five moves for Washington.

NFL

Cam Newton, Dak Prescott show combine scouting isn't exact science

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Not ready to be an NFL starter. Bad footwork. Off-the-field issue.

These were things said about Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and the Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott following their respective NFL combines.

Both went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors; Newton in 2011 and Prescott this past season.

Newton, the first overall pick in 2011 out of Auburn, threw for 21 touchdowns and rushed for 14 more. Prescott, a fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State, had 26 touchdown passes and six rushing scores.

Prescott had better team success as the Cowboys went 13-3 and made the playoffs in his rookie season. The Panthers were 6-10 in Newton’s first season and didn’t make the playoffs with the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner until his third year.

But both players quickly established themselves as the organization’s franchise quarterback despite what was said about them at the combine.

With the 2017 combine set to begin next week in Indianapolis, let’s look back at how Newton and Prescott compared:

Combine comp: Newton vs. Prescott
Category Newton Prescott
40-yard dash 4.56 sec 4.79
20-yard dash 2.60 sec 2.78
10-yard dash 1.58 sec 1.66
Vertical jump 35 inches 32.5
Broad jump 126 inches 116
20-yard shuttle 4.18 sec 4.32
Three-cone 6.92 sec 7.11
Wonderlic 21 (out of 50) 25

Newton obviously was the more athletic of the two. Neither scored great on the Wonderlic, a cognitive ability test the NFL uses to assess aptitude.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, the second overall pick last season, had a Wonderlic score of 40. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, the first overall pick, had a 34.

Not that you can put too much stock in that. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger scored a 25, and he went on to become a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time Super Bowl champion.

Here’s what the NFL.com analysis said about Newton and Prescott after the combine:

Strengths

Newton: “Has a rare blend of height, strength and speed. Fierce competitor and emotional leader. Flashes the ability to zip the ball into tight spots. Has a quick, over-the-top delivery. Puts a ton of revolutions on the ball and can make all the throws. Frequently evades the rush for second-chance opportunities. Threat to pick up large chunks when he tucks.”

Despite Cam Newton’s athleticism, scouts at the 2011 combine worried about inconsistency and potential off-field issues. Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports

Prescott: “Thick, muscular frame. Has proven over the last three seasons that he can withstand a pounding. Has enough natural arm strength and hip snap to fit throws into an NFL window. Stands tall and delivers a tight spiral with the over-the-top delivery. When pocket is clean, can deliver accurate strikes around the field. Played with improved vision and care for football this season and eliminated many of the ill-fated throws that turned into interceptions in 2014. Still a work in progress, but continues to show a level of growth as a passer. … Willing to extend plays outside of the pocket with legs, but look to finish the play with his arm. Mentally tough enough to carry a heavy offensive burden for the Bulldogs over the last three years.”

Weaknesses

Newton: “Not proficient at going through his progressions or making NFL reads. Doesn’t anticipate receivers getting open, must see them in a window. Inconsistent accuracy due to poor footwork and falling away to avoid a big hit. Despite athleticism, needs to improve his drop mechanics and the finer points of pocket mobility. Numerous off the field issues worth investigating.”

Prescott: “Beat up this year thanks to poor protection. When he wasn’t being sacked, he was being hit hard. Not as competitive a rusher in 2015. Sacks and usage in run game might be taking a toll. Increase in short pass attempts from 86 to 208 this year reason for higher completion numbers. Accuracy on intermediate and deep throws dropped sharply. Pocket poise has been compromised. Hyper aware of pressure around him and lacks awareness to slide and find a temporary shelter to make throw. Concern over pressure too often trumps ability to get through progressions. Must speed up the pace of his reads. Footwork is a mess. … Throws to target rather than leading or throwing them open on short/intermediate throws. Too respectful of underneath coverage, and must be more willing to challenge the defense. Needs to improve anticipation.”

Both quarterbacks obviously overcame their weaknesses. Newton was the NFL Most Valuable player in 2015 with a career-high 35 touchdown passes to go with 10 rushing TDs.

Prescott was so efficient in 2016 that veteran Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo never got his job back and is expected to be released.

It just goes to show that the combine isn’t an exact science.

NFL

Eric Berry should edge Tyreek Hill for Chiefs MVP

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — There’s no telling how the Kansas City Chiefs would have finished in 2016 without either Eric Berry or Tyreek Hill, but it’s clear they wouldn’t have gone 12-4 or captured their first AFC West championship since 2010. They probably wouldn’t have made the playoffs at all.

That’s how strong Berry and Hill were for the Chiefs. Berry, the do-everything safety, made several big plays to help deliver victories to the Chiefs in close games. Hill, the rookie receiver and kickoff returner, led Kansas City with 12 total touchdowns. None of his teammates had more than five.

The Chiefs are scheduled to announce on Sunday their 2016 most valuable player and rookie of the year. When it comes to MVP, the choices occasionally surprise, so it wouldn’t be a total upset if quarterback Alex Smith, tight end Travis Kelce or cornerback Marcus Peters won or shared the award.

But Berry and Hill are the most deserving choices. If either one wins, justice is done.

Eric Berry has a knack for making game-deciding plays on defense and when he talks, his teammates listen. That makes him the Chiefs’ MVP. Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire

Berry is my pick. The Chiefs wouldn’t have won the division title without his knack for fourth-quarter big plays. His interception and spectacular return for a touchdown – Berry successfully completed two spin moves on his way to the end zone – ignited a late comeback in a November game against the Panthers. His interception and score on an Atlanta two-point conversion try in the final minutes gave the Chiefs the necessary points to take a 29-28 victory over the Falcons in December.

These and other big plays – between interceptions and forced fumbles, Berry had five takeaways, tied for second on the team behind only Peters – were in addition to his usual, steady, down-by-down presence.

Hill exceeded Berry in spectacular plays. Of his 12 touchdowns, eight were from longer than 34 yards, providing a much-needed boost to an offense that often struggled to put together long drives or score points. Hill had all three Chiefs touchdowns – one on a rush, one on a pass reception and one on a kick return – in a crucial November victory over the Denver Broncos, the final score coming with 12 seconds left. That touchdown, paired with the two-point conversion, sent the game into overtime, and the Chiefs won with two field goals.

Strictly going by on-field contributions, Hill deserves to win. But there’s an off-the-field component that Berry provides, one that neither Hill nor any of his teammates can match. Berry, a cancer survivor, is not only an inspiration in the locker room, but he’s the Chiefs’ voice of reason. When he talks, his teammates listen. Where he leads, his teammates follow.

Even if he’s not the MVP, Hill won’t be going home empty-handed. He’s overwhelmingly the leading candidate to be the Chiefs’ rookie of the year. Defensive lineman Chris Jones would have been a good choice in a normal year, but not in a season when Hill also debuted.

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