Miles Sanders has found a new home.
The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with the former Eagles running back on a four-year, $25.4 million contract with $13 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported. The team later confirmed Sanders had agreed to a new deal.
The former second-round back has proven himself to be a well-rounded threat out of the backfield in four years with Philadelphia.
Seldom a true workhorse during the dawn of his NFL career, Sanders still rushed for 750-plus yards in each of his first three seasons. When his carries jumped from a high of 179 (his rookie season) to 259 in 2022, Sanders returned Philly's faith by breaking out for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Going into free agency, he ranked No. 51 overall and slotted in as the top running back in Gregg Rosenthal's top 101 list.
His elevated performance made him difficult to retain for the Eagles, who recognized that with the recent signing of free-agent RB Rashaad Penny, but it allowed the Panthers to envision him as a legitimate replacement in their first full campaign without Christian McCaffrey since 2017.
After trading McCaffrey in the middle of last season, Carolina relied on D’Onta Foreman, currently a free agent, and Chuba Hubbard to positive results -- 1,380 combined rushing yards and seven TDs.
But with Sanders in town, he's likely to take the lead as head coach Frank Reich and running backs coach Duce Staley, who was in Philadelphia when Sanders was drafted and played a major role in luring him to Carolina, per Rapoport, attempt a franchise turnaround.
The face lift is taking shape in Carolina. The RB room appears well-stocked, and the club still has the No. 1 overall pick to continue building a bright future.
