Week 18 Breakout Not Enough to Save Panther From Being Cut

The Carolina Panthers ended the 2024 regular season on a high note, defeating the Atlanta Falcons, 44-38 in overtime on Sunday. 

Carolina got a tremendous performance from second-year Bryce Young, who stole the show and cemented why he’s the franchise quarterback. Young completed 25-of-34 passes for 251 yards and five total touchdowns (three—passing). 

While Young was the center of attention for Panthers fans, Carolina also saw veteran running back Miles Sanders have his best game with the franchise.

Sanders had 116 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns on 20 touches. It was an outstanding performance from a player who has struggled in his two years with the team after being signed in 2023 to be the lead back.

Sanders’ performance in Week 18 gives Carolina a potential insurance option in the backfield, especially with rookie running back Jonathan Brooks returning from another torn ACL he sustained in Week 14.

However, based on his current contract situation, the Panthers might be better off cutting the former Philadelphia Eagles running back or trying to trade him to an RB-needy team in the offseason.

According to Spotrac.com, Sanders has the 10th-highest cap hit heading into next season ($8,175,000), which is crazy, given he’s the only non-starting running back within the top 10.

The veteran running back has a potential out in his contract for the 2025 season, making him an intriguing cut candidate this offseason. Sanders has struggled to live up to the high expectations of his contract in Carolina.

In his first year with the Panthers, Sanders had 586 yards from scrimmage, one total TD, and averaged 3.3 yards per carry. This season, the former Penn State running back had 353 yards from scrimmage, three total TDs, and averaged 3.7 yards per carry.

If Sunday was his last game with the Panthers, he gave the fans and the front office a lot to think about. With Brooks trying to return from another torn ACL, Sanders wouldn’t be a horrible option behind Hubbard.

At the same time, the Panthers could easily draft another running back in the later rounds to be the RB2 until Brooks is ready. Meanwhile, Carolina can use Sanders as a trade chip to address the defense, which needs more depth and playmakers at all three levels.

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