One of the few running backs able to land a relatively lucrative multi-year pact during this season’s free agency was Miles Sanders. The new Panthers lead back is in line for a signficant workload, which will mark a difference compared to his time with the Eagles. 
Sanders logged a snap share of either 53% or 57% in three of his four seasons in Philadelphia, though he made the most of his opportunities in 2022. The 26-year-old set a new career high in carries (259), rushing yards (1,269) and touchdowns (11) while helping lead the Eagles to the top seed in the NFC. Those totals priced him out of Philadelphia in free agency, and landed him a four-year, $25MM deal with the Panthers.
The former second-rounder was not a major factor in the passing game in 2022, though, as had been the case since his rookie campaign. Sanders acknowledged the opportunity he will have in Carolina to play in a three-down role again, something which will be crucial as the team finds its way with rookie Bryce Young under center. The Penn State product also spoke recently about his usage in the Eagles’ Super Bowl loss, one in which he received only seven carries and took a backseat to Kenneth Gainwell.
“Last game of the season? For all of the marbles? Everybody can answer that question,” Sanders after being asked if he was upset over his playing time in the title game. “If they put themselves in my shoes, would they be happy? I don’t want to make headlines, [but] if it does, I don’t care.” When speaking about his decision to leave Philadelphia, he added, “I can get into that another day, maybe. Maybe you should ask them why I’m moving here” (h/t Steve Reed of the Associated Press).
With his attention squarely focused on his new team, Sanders will look to prove the Panthers’ investment in him a sound one. The Eagles, meanwhile, traded for D’Andre Swift during the draft to add another young, two-way back to their team. Philadelphia will move forward with Swift, free agent signing Rashaad Penny and returnees Gainwell and Boston Scott on their depth chart, as they look to continue their by-committee approach at the RB position.
Yes, last game of the year and with all the marbles on the line…you can’t put the ball on the ground and expect them to keep coming back to you. Thank you for your time in Philly, good luck in Carolina.
Yeah the Iggles were a holding penalty away from winning a second super bowl. The reason they lost was the defensive collapse in the second half. Thinking ground and pound was going to beat Mahomes and the Chiefs is delusional.
“can’t put the ball on the ground and expect them to keep coming back to you”
Jalen Hurts just called.
Ok, but Hurts didn’t fumble in the playoffs while Miles coughed it up the first play of the game and is whining they didn’t come back to him. He ran 7 times for 16 yards and his effort wasn’t there. BTW, let’s pull the QB for that when there’s a humongous drop off to QB2, while that in the running back room was minimal. Brilliant!
Hurts fumbled in the Super Bowl, which was returned for a touchdown. No Philly RB ran for more than 21 yards on 7 carries.
You’re right, they should’ve yanked Hurts immediately and sent out Minshew in a 14-14 Super Bowl game. Sanders had the lower yards per carry (2.3) of the 4 players with rushes (2.7-4.7); so they weren’t missing out on what he was bringing that day.
really like this signing for them
Multi year deals for RBs are horrible investments for mid to bad teams, the Eagles elite oline could make any Tom, Richard, or Harry look great
4yr/25 isn’t horrible. Not sure how much he actually walks away with.
High draft pick, played good, young, and knows what winning is like. Good assets to carry over to a young rebuilding team with rookie QB
No hard feelings. I think he’ll do very well in the Carolina system with Reich and Duce Staley and a young QB.. I dont play fantasy but I could see him being a good pickup
Carolina signing Miles Sanders for 25m/4 was nearly as dumb as the Raiders signing Marcus Epps for 12m/2. For all of the pre-draft hand-wringing about the Free agent losses of the Eagles,it really was overstated. 5 Defensive starters lost and 2 Offensive starters lost. The only 3 (of the 7) that mattered were RG Isaac Seumalo, MKE TJ Edwards and DT J. Hargrave, and the Eagles had already began drafting replacements for them last year.
well put… plus Gannon leaving and a Fangio disciple in Sean Dessai taking over all that talent will help. Philly brass deserves benefit of the doubt at this point
The Bitter Millionaires Club welcomes another member.