Do the Panthers Have Enough at Running Back?

It wouldn't hurt for Carolina to add another back to the mix.

Miles Sanders was brought in to be the starting running back for the Carolina Pnathers for the next handful of years, agreeing to a four-year, $25M deal, making him the highest paid free agent running back last offseason.

He failed to live up to expectations and ultimately got jumped for the starting job by Chuba Hubbard, who had an up and down year. Hubbard showed flashes of being a reliable starter, but also had several games where he averaged around three yards per carry.

The struggles of Hubbard and Sanders can also be attributed to the poor performance up front and the revolving door of linemen at the guard spots. Frank Reich and Thomas Brown weren’t on the same page and the back-and-forth of play-calling duties probably didn’t help matters. 

First-year head coach Dave Canales and said time and time again that he is going to be stubborn about running the football. The Buccaneers were one of the league’s worst rushing teams in 2023, but they improved dramatically down the stretch and then into their playoff run. 

With an aligned coaching staff and the guard spots seemingly fixed with Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt, Hubbard and Sanders should be in line for big years. 

Now, the question is whether or not the Panthers have enough in that room. 

In my opinion, they’re missing one thing - a thumper. They need someone who can take the short-yardage/goal line carries and potentially be thrown in there for help in pass protection in obvious passing situations.

That skillset is currently non-existent on the roster and would be something that enhances the room. There are a few backs in the draft that would fit that description, but they could also look into adding another veteran on a one-year deal who is very role specific. Regardless of hwo they approach it, adding a downhill physical back is a must.