The Carolina Panthers are expected to part ways with Pro Bowl running back this offseason as they look to reshape their roster. Under first-year head coach Dave Canales, the Panthers improved from a two-win season to five victories, with quarterback Bryce Young showing progress by improving his touchdown-to-interception ratio from 11-10 to 15-9. However, the team is still not where it wants to be, and difficult roster decisions are on the horizon.
One likely move is releasing Sanders, who signed a four-year, $25 million contract in 2023 when Frank Reich was head coach. With Reich and running backs coach Duce Staley—two of Sanders’ biggest supporters—fired after 11 games, the veteran running back lost his starting role to Chuba Hubbard.
According to The Athletic’s Joseph Person, the Panthers are expected to cut Sanders this offseason to free up cap space.
By doing so, they would save $5.23 million. Despite his two-touchdown performance in Week 18 against Atlanta, Sanders finished the season with just 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns across 11 games.
With backup Jonathon Brooks likely sidelined in 2025 after a second ACL surgery, the Panthers will need running back depth. However, they can find younger and more affordable options, especially with a deep 2025 NFL Draft class at the position. Cutting Sanders appears to be a strategic move as Carolina continues rebuilding for the future.
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