3 Running Backs the Panthers Can Sign to Replace Jonathon Brooks
By Cem Yolbulan
On Monday, the Carolina Panthers received the devastating news that Jonathon Brooks suffered another torn ACL. Only 13 months removed from his previous ACL tear, the talented running back will once again be sidelined indefinitely after appearing in three games for the Panthers.
The Panthers had very high hopes for Brooks, making him the highest-selected running back in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, whether they will be able to get anything from him is up for debate.
With Miles Sanders also on the injured reserve list and Raheem Blackshear dealing with a chest injury, the Panthers may need to turn to the free agent market to bring in reinforcements. Let's take a look at a few options they have.
1. Jerick McKinnon
After winning back-to-back Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs in the last two seasons, Jerick McKinnon is still unsigned. The 32-year-old could bring intriguing versatility to any running back rotation.
McKinnon had a star-crossed career. After signing a $30 million deal with the 49ers in the 2018 offseason, he tore his ACL right before the start of the season. When he was getting ready to return for the 2019 season, he suffered a setback from knee surgery and missed the entire year.
When he returned in 2020, he was obviously not the same player but he was still an effective playmaker. He continued to thrive as a versatile, pass-catching running back after his return and took his game to the next level after he joined the Chiefs.
In 2022, the veteran rusher caught 56 passes for 515 yards and nine touchdowns. He added a further 291 yards and a touchdown on the ground, establishing himself as a key member of the Chiefs offense.
McKinnon's pass-catching ability is obviously his calling card, but he doesn't need to be limited to a third-down role. Throughout his career, he has been involved in kick returns, even as recently as last season with the Chiefs.
Behind Chuba Hubbard, the Panthers could use McKinnon as a change-of-pace back who adds a different element to the offense and special teams. For a veteran rusher in a limited role, the Panthers could do worse than McKinnon.