When the Carolina Panthers signed running back Miles Sanders away from the Philadelphia Eagles, the hope was he would build on a breakout 2022 season. 

That didn't happen. 

Instead, Sanders dealt with inconsistent coaching and injuries that led to the worst season of his career. What was seen nearly instantly was Sanders' four-year, $25 million contract was among one of the worst for running backs in the league. 

Recently, Bleacher Report compiled a list of the 10 worst contracts in the NFL. Sanders' deal came in. at No. 8, right above Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. 

Sanders ran for 432 yards and lost his starting job to Chuba Hubbard in 2023. Heading into the 2024 season, Sanders could be the third-string running back behind Hubbard and rookie running back Jonathon Brooks. 

On the surface, it looks like Sanders is the running back on the outside looking in. Unless Carolina can find a trade partner, releasing the former Eagles' standout looks like the most viable option for the Panthers moving forward. 

"As a result, Sanders may hold a minimal role despite his contract having $7.5 million in dead money at best in 2024," Bleacher Report writes. "In all likelihood, the Panthers will release him next offseason when the penalty drops below $3 million."

Sanders, before he came to Carolina, was an effective running back. In the season when the Eagles went to the Super Bowl, he rushed for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns. That production hasn't been seen in Charlotte, yet. And judging by the likelihood of his long-term tenure with the Panthers, it may never be. 

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Panthers must figure out a way to move on from biggest mistake of 2023 season

A year ago, the Carolina Panthers made former Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders one of the highest-paid rushers in free agency.