Miles Sanders‘ tenure with the Panthers has come to an expected end. The veteran running back was released on Tuesday, per a team announcement. 
Sanders was prepared to restructure his contract to remain in Carolina, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. Team and player negotiated such a move, but no agreement could be reached. Now, the former Eagles Pro Bowler will hit the market for the second time in his career.
The top running back earner in the 2023 offseason, Sanders inked a four-year Panthers pact. By cutting bait halfway through the deal, the team will generate $5.23MM in cap space while incurring a dead money charge of $2.95MM. Carolina will now move forward with Chuba Hubbard atop the backfield depth chart.
The 25-year-old Canadian set new career high with 1,195 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Midway through the campaign, Hubbard inked a four-year extension which prevented him from reaching free agency this spring. He will be counted on to remain a lead back moving forward while 2024 second-rounder Jonathon Brooks rehabs his second ACL tear.
Sanders finished out his rookie contract with an impressive Eagles season (1,347 scrimmage yards, 11 touchdowns, 4.9 yards per carry). The Penn State product found himself on the move with Philadelphia electing to sign D’Andre Swift – and later, Saquon Barkley – however, leading to his Panthers agreement. His Carolina tenure did not go according to plan, and during a six-week stretch this past season Sanders was inactive.
While the 27-year-old returned to the lineup during the season finale and operated as a starter (due to other injuries), it was widely expected a parting of ways would take place. Sanders will now look to find a new home with his stock in a much worse spot than it was two years ago. The likes of Najee Harris and Javonte Williams have lined up new deals in the early portion of the offseason, and the 2025 draft class features several highly-acclaimed running backs. Sanders may need to wait to find a suitor as a result.
Makes sense. After his eagles tenure dude was a MASSIVE dud
Best spots for him: Steelers, Cowboys, Giants, Patriots or Vikings
Edmonton Elks and Toronto Argonauts have entered the chat
Also the St Louis Battlehawks
This is a ridiculous comment. He’s a guy who was a borderline Pro Bowler from the time he was a rookie.
Thank you Miles for stealing our money
Ive long been a Miles Sanders fan.
Not sure my guys have room, nor would I want them to make room either.
He’ll have to find a training camp/preseason opportunity, I think.
His talent is undeniable though.