The Eagles have seen some notable departures in the opening stages of this year’s free agent period. They are set to make an addition on offense, however. Philadelphia has agreed to terms on a deal with running back Rashaad Penny, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). 
The NFC champions enjoyed a career year from Miles Sanders in 2022 as the focal point of their elite rushing attack. After three teams elected to use the franchise tag on tailbacks of their own, however, Sanders is poised to be the top option at the position on the open market. As a result, he is widely expected to price himself out of Philadelphia.
Penny could prove to be a cost-effective alternative for the Eagles. The former Seahawk has dealt with myriad injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL in 2020. More recently, the former first-rounder suffered a broken fibula midway through the 2022 season, derailing what had once again looked to be a promising campaign. Penny has yet to play in a full NFL season.
With veteran Chris Carson having retired after dealing with injury issues of his own, Penny took on the No. 1 role this season. He appeared to be well on his way to a strong year, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. The injury made Seattle’s previous decision to decline his fifth-year option an even more understandable one, though. Penny, 27, made $5.75MM on a one-year pact in 2022.
It is unlikely he will be able to top that figure on this new Eagles pact, but a short-term investment on Philadelphia’s part could prove to be worthwhile. Penny has averaged 5.7 yards per carry in his career (albeit with relatively limited opportunities), and could carry that efficiency over while running behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. The Eagles averaged just under 148 rushing yards per game last season, which ranked fifth in the NFL.
Sanders, along with fellow pending free agent Boston Scott, played a key role in that figure, of course. With Penny in place, however, high-end production on the ground should still be expected provided he can remain healthy.
I know not to hold out hope he’ll stay healthy, but man he could be electric in that offense for however long he manages to stay in one piece.
He’s likely to stay healthy with Philly running the ball with several players every week. He can certainly be explosive, but he’s no bell cow. Nice addition for them.
“He’s likely to stay healthy” simply isn’t a phrase you can use on Rashaad Penny. Love him as a player when he’s on the field, but the guy’s managed 792 snaps over five seasons.
True. Fewer reps means fewer opportunities to get injured, but all it takes is one play
They could do some good split back formations with Kenny and Penny.
Sign Fournette, line Gainwell up out wide, and you could have Kenny, Penny, and Lenny.
WE COOKIN’
waste of money! he might play 6-7gms
Exactly. He’s a get your hopes up type of player
I won’t miss him in Seattle! I always thought drafting him was a mistake anyways!
Barely paying him group signing you’re stupid
He’s going to be injured again, watch. You’re the stupid one. I’ve watched every game he’s played.
Pipe dream considering their many needs, but would love to see Sanders come home to Pittsburgh to form a running back corp with the other two backs here
Ah well