Jamaal Charles has reached an agreement on a two year, $18.1M extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to multiple reports. Charles was already under contract for the next two seasons making a combined $9.9 million. This new deal has Charles staying in Kansas City through the 2017 season for a combined total of $28 million. He will make $8.3 million in 2014, as opposed to the $3.9 million he was scheduled to make.
This new agreement will make Charles the second highest paid running back in the NFL, trailing only Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. Charles has clearly outplayed his contract in the past two seasons. In 2012 he ran the ball 285 times for 1,509 yards (5.3 yards per carry average) and five touchdowns. Last season Charles had 259 carries for 1,287 yards (5.0 YPC) and 12 rushing touchdowns. He also chipped in 70 receptions for 693 yards and seven touchdown catches in 2013. Charles is a jack of all trades, and a perfect fit for coach Andy Reid's offense.
Obviously Charles lead the Chiefs on the ground, but he also led them in every receiving category as well. He is far and away the primary option in the Kansas City offense, and the team was smart to follow his demands and upgrade his salary. He is a huge reason why they made the playoffs at 11-5 last season, just one year after going 2-14.