NFL free agency: Six running back options for Panthers after release of Miles Sanders
The Carolina Panthers’ running back room is looking a bit light behind Chuba Hubbard.
On Tuesday, the team released veteran running back Miles Sanders to open up more than $5 million in salary cap space. And while the move saved a significant chunk of change, it left the depth behind Hubbard — the team’s well-paid No. 1 back — pretty bleak.
With Mike Boone set for unrestricted free agency and pending restricted free agent Raheem Blackshear unlikely to receive a tender on Wednesday, Hubbard, Jonathan Brooks (who is recovering from his ACL surgery in as many offseasons) and practice-squad holder Emani Bailey are likely to be the only running backs under contract to begin the new league year (4 p.m. start).
So, where do the Panthers turn from here to provide insurance and playmaking depth behind Hubbard as Brooks nurses another major knee surgery? While the running back draft class is brimming with talent, the Panthers might need to double dip on the position following Sanders’ departure.
Could one of the answers come from free agency? With several notable names on the open market, a veteran solution could make sense at the right price.
Here are six running back options available on the open market:
The Miles Sanders-like replacements
Ty Johnson: The Buffalo Bills running back is basically Sanders with better vision in the tackle box. He can run, he can catch, and he’s a solid enough blocker out of the backfield to warrant heavy looks on third down. He’s coming off a strong year as a rotational back, with 213 rushing yards, 284 receiving yards and four total touchdowns. Unlike Sanders, Johnson can adapt to being a rotational weapon. (Update: Re-signed with Bills)
Travis Homer: The Chicago Bears backup is a low-cost solution. Even at 26, he’s bounced around a little bit as a 2019 sixth-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks. The former Miami Hurricanes standout has been lightly used in his career, but he has produced 476 rushing yards, 475 receiving yards and three total touchdowns in 75 games.
Kenneth Gainwell: Sanders’ former teammate in Philadelphia is coming off a Super Bowl LIX win. Like Sanders, he’s a third-down option who can also handle a bigger workload if pressed into action by injuries. A favorite of Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, Gainwell has a lot of playoff and big game experience, and he’s capable of returning kicks and punts. The 2021 fifth-round pick is just 25. (Update: Agreed to deal with Steelers, per FOX Sports)
The power backs
Nick Chubb: After running wild over the entire NFL during the first half of his career, Chubb’s physical playing style has caught up with him in recent seasons. He’s dealt with injury woes, and he no longer looks like an immortal superhero. That said, a backup role at this stage in his career could be welcoming for the Cleveland Browns running back. He’s also a big name that fans can get excited about in Carolina.
A.J. Dillon: The Green Bay Packers running back is a bulky, big-bodied pounder at the position. According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, he’s been medically cleared to perform following a neck injury. While it’d be surprising to see the Panthers take another risk on another injured running back, Dillon would provide a notable, physical complement to Hubbard’s do-everything style.
Cam Akers: The Minnesota Vikings running back has bounced around quite a bit over the past couple of years. Initially used as a key part of the Los Angeles Rams’ offense, he’s moved around from offense to offense in recent seasons, including two separate stints with the Vikings. He produced 297 rushing yards in 12 games with the Vikings last season after being traded mid-year by the Houston Texans.
This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 1:45 PM.
