The 1,900-yard Rashaad Penny signing may hint at a possible trade for current running back Miles Sanders this offseason. According to a source, the Panthers may move on from Sanders after signing Penny to a contract. The former 2018 first-round pick was a healthy scratch for most of last season but had a year to forget with the Eagles. However, this is the same case for Sanders, who also didn’t get a lot of production with the Panthers.
Penny was one of the premiere backs before arriving in Philadelphia, leading the NFL in yards per among running backs with 150 carries. He notched 149 carries for 1,017 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per carry. However, he didn’t get many reps with the Eagles playing behind D’Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott. This would be the same for the Panthers who already have an overcrowded running back room with the addition of Penny.
The Panthers have been revamping the running game this offseason after finishing 30th in rushing touchdowns and 23rd in yards per carry. This means the team has been doing their homework after drafting Jonathon Brooks in this year’s draft. However, it seems like bringing in new faces for the running back room looks to be the answer for the Panthers. Sanders and Chubba Hubbard are still on the roster while adding Penny for veteran competition for the team.
The good news for Penny is that he has a history with new Panthers head coach Dave Canales when they both were in Seattle. However, it looks like the Panthers will plan to trade Sanders this summer after post-June 1 cuts. The Panthers will determine that this training camp before making a final call.
1,900-Yard Rashaad Penny Signing May Hint at a Possible Trade for Miles Sanders
Will it Happen?
The trade may happen for the 27-year-old while he still has three years remaining on his deal. Carolina could designate him as a post-June 1 so he could be free to sign wherever he wants. However, the Panthers may want to get something out of a trade so that’s a possible option. The team would eat $7.495 million in dead cap space spread out over the next two years.
It sounds like a realistic option for the Panthers to make a trade to get some draft capital. Carolina could wait a year before moving on from Sanders but there may be some unease in the locker. The last thing that the Panthers want to avoid is distractions for the new faces on their roster, so a trade is likely to happen imminently. One thing that the Panthers are hoping for is for Canales to get something out of this trade if it happens.
Sanders’ reasoning for wanting out of Philadelphia is playing time under Jalen Hurts. He wasn’t getting most of the running snaps with the Eagles. The outlook isn’t encouraging for Sanders who’s a part of another loaded running back room. However, here are some possible team trade fits for Sanders.
Team Trade Fits for Sanders
Sanders could look to re-establish himself as a top-notch back by landing with the Dallas Cowboys. The team already has Ezekiel Elliott but he could become the No. 2 running back while Sanders gets most of the snaps. This would allow Elliott to focus on the red zone drives to drive the ball like a powerhouse through defenders. Sanders could get the snaps when they need immediate long-yardage.
One trade spot that could intrigue Sanders is joining the Kansas City Chiefs to start ring-chasing in his career. Sanders was productive when he was a part of a good offense. The Chiefs are going to be great for the next decade so Sanders possibly joining Isiah Pacheco should be fun. However, if Sanders wants to in the center of attention then he could land with the Chargers.
Jim Harbaugh is focusing on the run game this season but it doesn’t look promising with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Sanders could be a healthy option if the Chargers want to one more splash move this offseason.
