Massive 2023 investment for the Carolina Panthers viewed as likely trade or cut candidate moving forward
Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders’ production proves it is a move that is not working out for either party involved.
When the Carolina Panthers bucked the NFL's recent trend of undervaluing running backs during the 2023 offseason, it marked a team attempting to differ with a common philosophy.
The move blew up in Carolina's face.
Carolina inked a four-year, nearly $25 million deal with Sanders and his production quickly fell off a cliff. NFL analyst Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports put together a post-June 1 trade or cut list and Sanders made the list of likely candidates for the mid-summer chopping block.
"A year after signing a top free-agent deal with Carolina, Sanders may well be fighting for backup carries alongside Jonathon Brooks and Chuba Hubbard, even with new coach Dave Canales angling for a stronger run game," Benjamin writes. "Releasing Sanders would save the Panthers an instant $200,000."
Sanders earned his contract with a career season in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a key contributor in Philadelphia's run to the Super Bowl, and the Panthers believed it was getting that version of Sanders in Charlotte. That wasn't the case.
During the 2023 season, Sanders' production fell to career lows. He only started five games. In the process, he amassed 432 rushing yards on 129 attempts and one touchdown. By the midpoint of the season, Hubbard surpassed him on the depth chart.
All signs point to Sanders being on the outside looking in. However, team general manager Dan Morgan has long said the 27-year-old running back is still beloved in Carolina.
"We love Miles," Morgan said. "We see a big role for him."
Talk is cheap. Carolina's true feelings toward Sanders will be know if he is still on the roster come the start of the 2024 season.
Panthers’ biggest disappointment of 2023 gets brutally honest with himself and fans in recent statement
When the Carolina Panthers brought in running back Miles Sanders, it was supposed to be a help to Bryce Young.
