Do the Panthers Have Enough at Running Back?
One of the "big" moves the Carolina Panthers made this offseason was signing free agent running back Miles Sanders to a four-year, $25.4M deal. Don't freak out about the optics of a long-term contract for a running back. There is a potential out after two years if the Panthers want to go in a different direction/spend less money.
But for this offense, Sanders is a near-perfect fit. He likes to keep things in between the tackles but has the ability to bounce it wide and turn the corner. Most importantly though, he will serve as a security blanket option for rookie quarterback Bryce Young in the passing game. Sanders saw his targets dip each year he was in Philadelphia but with Young under center, I sense there will be a significant increase in his target share.
Sanders and Chuba Hubbard are the clear top two guys in the backfield, but is it enough for the Panthers to feel good heading into the season? Head coach Frank Reich likes the potential of the room but knows there's work to be done.
"I love the by-committee thing and the different role things. I like to involve everybody. Now, listen, Miles Sanders has looked good and at this point, he's our number one guy. But Chuba [Hubbard] has looked good, Raheem [Blackshear] has looked good. I mean, the whole group has shown good promise. We'll see how it continues to develop but excited about the running back room."
Raheem Blackshear had a couple of decent runs a year ago but averaged just 3.3 yards per carry on the season. Even as a potential No. 3 back, that's less than ideal. However, the value he brings to special teams makes up for that. He's a solid return man, who can be thrown back there on both kicks and punts. But with the return of Damiere Byrd and Laviska Shenault also getting some work on the return team, Blackshear's spot on the roster isn't guaranteed.
Undrafted free agent Camerun Peoples is one to watch out for. The 6'2", 220-pound bowling ball had one hell of a career up the road at Appalachian State rushing for 2,830 yards and 33 touchdowns. He runs the ball extremely well but as far as pass protection and receiving are concerned, it's a work in progress. There's no doubt in my mind that Peoples will one day be on an active NFL roster but he may not be the best option for Carolina as RB3 in 2023.
I imagine that sometime between now and the start of training camp, another back will be added to the roster. No, not a big-name guy such as Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt, or Dalvin Cook. But someone like Justin Jackson, who spent time with Duce Staley in Detroit last year, or Marlon Mack, who was with Reich in Indy, makes more sense. The only thing with Mack is the relationship he has today with Frank. Where does that stand? He was ousted from his starting role by Jonathan Taylor and saw his role completely diminish with the Colts over time. In this situation though, Mack would have a clear understanding of his role and wouldn't be blindsided by being the third option.
You can never have enough running backs and with how much I expect the Panthers to run the ball this season, adding one more veteran to the mix wouldn't hurt.
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