Panthers must figure out a way to move on from biggest mistake of 2023 season

A year ago, the Carolina Panthers made former Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders one of the highest-paid rushers in free agency. 

It was a move that backfired nearly immediately. 

Sanders struggled to find his footing in the Panthers offense. Fresh off a breakout season, he regressed and ran for a mere 3.3 yards per carry, 432 rushing yards and one touchdown. 

Now the Panthers must figure out how to move on from Sanders. And frankly, Carolina wouldn't be hurt too much for doing so. 

Returning, the Panthers have Chuba Hubbard, who enjoyed a career season in 2023. Carolina also drafted Texas running back Jonathon Brooks, who has been praised for his versatility in the running and passing game. 

Brooks and Hubbard will most likely be running backs one and two on the depth chart, leaving Sanders as the odd man out. 

Hindering Carolina's attempts to move on from Sanders would be his perceived value around the league. There is a world where Carolina trades Sanders for a fifth-round pick, or later. There is no value in having an older running back on the roster on a bloated contract who isn't productive. That is exactly what Sanders has become to Carolina.