New Panthers Arrival Suddenly Announces Retirement

New Panthers RB Rashaad Penny suddenly announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday as Carolina officially placed the 28-year-old back on the reserve/retired list.

Penny just signed with the Panthers this offseason after spending five years with the Seattle Seahawks and one with the Philadelphia Eagles. His path to playing time in a crowded Carolina backfield was murky and his extensive injury history could've played a role in Penny's decision.

From the Panthers' perspective, this news likely ends trade rumors around Miles Sanders, though Chubba Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks are the two leaders at the position.

Panthers News: RB Rashaad Penny Announces Retirement From NFL

Originally drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of San Diego State, Penny was a highly efficient player but struggled to stay on the field, amassing more than 85 carries just once.

He averaged 5.6 yards per carry for his career though hasn't played more than 10 games since his rookie campaign. Penny's most effective season came in 2021 with the Seahawks, rushing 119 times for 749 yards (6.3 YPC) and six TDs.

With Carolina in the middle of training camp, Penny's retirement gives opportunities to other players or even undrafted rookies to make an impact and fight for a roster spot. Carolina's offense is in a much better place this year after adding Brooks, Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette, so Penny's absence doesn't create a significant hole that Dave Canales needs to fill.

Penny played in only three games with the Eagles in 2023, carrying the ball 11 times for 33 yards while adding one catch for another five yards. It's unclear what he plans to do in retirement, though we wish him all the best moving forward no matter what path he chooses.

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