The running back position hasn’t really been one the Carolina Panthers have needed to address in the past handful of seasons. But with Christian McCaffrey long gone and their leading rusher set to hit the open market, it’s time to find some answers.
So, here are four free-agent backs the Panthers should consider signing this offseason.
D'Onta Foreman
Carolina’s best option may be the most familiar one. Foreman, after rushing for career-highs in yards (914) and touchdowns (five) this past season, is certainly amongst the team’s top free-agent priorities.
Just ask new assistant head coach and running backs Duce “Don’t Call Me Scott Fitterer” Staley.
Jamaal Williams
Speaking of Duce, maybe he can help bring his buddy Jamaal over.
Williams—like Foreman—is no stranger to the hard-nosed running style head coach Frank Reich is looking to establish. Under the guidance of Staley this past season in Detroit, the six-foot, 224-pounder stacked up a league-leading 17 touchdowns as well as his first career 1,000-yard rushing campaign.
Samaje Perine
Before the 2022 season, Perine was simply a bit of insurance behind Cincinnati’s stud in Joe Mixon. But the 27-year-old proved he could be a stud himself.
Perine took advantage of his three-game stretch in place of Mixon—recording 194 rushing yards, 136 receiving yards and four total touchdowns between Weeks 11 and 13. He may not be a bell cow, but he’s a cost-effective option who presents some upside in the passing game.
Rashaad Penny
Penny, on the other hand, may cost a bit more. That’s why you haven’t seen guys like Miles Sanders and David Montgomery on this list.
But unlike those two younger, featured backs—Penny won’t likely require as long of a commitment. The 27-year-old was continuing to hit his stride in Seattle, averaging 6.1 yards per carry before a fractured fibula and high-ankle sprain halted his season after just five games.
And with rookie Kenneth Walker III essentially Wally Pipp’ing him en route to Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration, Penny may be looking for a bigger opportunity elsewhere.
