The Carolina Panthers haven't wasted any time injecting new blood into their roster this offseason, signing a plethora of veteran free agents ranging from safety Trevon Moehrig to defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton. Free agency hasn't been without some casualties, though, as nine Panthers free agents have already signed new contracts elsewhere.
Although a fresh start could be what some departing players need, finding success with their new employers is far from guaranteed. That's especially true for one former Panthers' playmaker destined to fumble his fresh start next season.
Former Panthers RB Miles Sanders Will Fail With Cowboys in 2025
One of the most disappointing signings in recent Panthers history is that of Miles Sanders. After beginning his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, the 2019 second-rounder joined the Panthers on a four-year, $25.4 million contract during the 2023 offseason. It seemed like a no-brainer deal after Sanders had racked up 1,347 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns in the previous season.
Unfortunately, Sanders' contract didn't take long to age like milk under the summer sun. In 2023, he struggled to look like an RB1 more often than not, averaging career lows in yards per carry (3.3) and rushing yards per game (27.0) across his 16 appearances. He ultimately lost the starting back job to Chuba Hubbard as the season progressed.
Sanders' disappointing run extended into an injury-plagued 2024 season. Continuing to operate as Hubbard's backup, the former Penn State RB ended his sixth NFL campaign with only 205 rushing yards and a pair of TDs on 55 carries across 11 games, making it easy for the Panthers to decide to waive him before the current offseason began.
Since leaving Charlotte, Sanders has inked a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, who just lost RB1 Rico Dowdle to the open market. Considering how the Cowboys finished with the second-worst Pro Football Focus rushing grade last season (60.7), it's hard to imagine the 27-year-old runner getting on track — especially since he'll be competing for touches with Javonte Williams and, potentially, a rookie through the draft.
Unless he performs as he did during his 2021 Pro Bowl run, Sanders is on track to disappoint Cowboys fans — much like he did Panthers fans for the last two seasons. How long his Dallas tenure lasts and whether or not he survives until the end of the 2025 season remains to be seen.
It's worth noting that the Cowboys will be one of the Panthers' home opponents next season, meaning it won't be long before Carolina fans have a front-row ticket to Sanders' upcoming failure.