The NFL offseason is a time for new beginnings, especially now that free agency is in full swing. At the same time, each offseason features its fair share of endings, and that's exactly what the Carolina Panthers experienced on Tuesday.
As general manager Dan Morgan continues to upgrade the roster, the Panthers announced that they have released running back Miles Sanders. The 27-year-old RB joined the Panthers on a four-year, $25.4 million contract during the 2023 offseason and will now return to free agency two years later.
Panthers Released RB Miles Sanders Due to Contract Dispute
Although Sanders' disappointing on-field performance had Panthers fans putting him on the chopping block this offseason, it turns out that a contract dispute led to his release.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Panthers and Sanders "negotiated a (contract) restructure," but the two sides "couldn't agree" on terms. While some players aren't fans of restructuring their deals, Fowler added that the veteran runner was open to the idea before talks fell through.
OverTheCap reveals that the Panthers will create over $5.2 million in 2025 cap space if Sanders — who didn't have any guaranteed salary remaining — is cut before June 1. However, the savings will increase to $6.7 million if his release is designated after that date.
The Panthers hoped that Sanders would be their long-term backfield solution after he racked up 1,347 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 279 touches during his 2022 Pro Bowl season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Instead of replicating that performance, the former Penn State RB has barely been able to match it.
In 27 appearances across the last two seasons, Sanders has turned 235 touches into only 939 scrimmage yards and four TDs. He was usurped by Chuba Hubbard as Carolina's No. 1 RB last season, which only increased the potential offseason cut.
Now that his time with the Panthers is over, Sanders is free to sign with a new team to foster a fresh start. Meanwhile, Hubbard is projected to lead Carolina's backfield again in 2025, while it remains to be seen how quickly Jonathan Brooks can heal from his ACL tear.
In the meantime, Panthers fans can expect GM Morgan to replace Sanders with a free-agent veteran or, perhaps, a rookie through the draft.