Carolina Panthers shut down a rumor that has swirled since the 2024 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers didn't do running back Miles Sanders any favors during the 2024 NFL Draft. 

In the second round, Carolina selected Texas running back Jonathon Brooks, adding another versatile threat to a backfield that already had Chuba Hubbard coming off a strong 2023 campaign. 

With Brooks selected so early in the draft, the odd man out was Sanders, who, during the 2023 offseason, signed a four-year, $25.4 million contract with the Panthers. General manager Dan Morgan, however, shut down any rumor that Sanders could be on the way out any time soon following the draft. 

"We love Miles," Morgan said. "We see a big role for him. We think really highly of Miles. He can do a lot for our offense. He’s versatile in the passing game and he’s a really good runner. So we’re excited about him." 

Morgan didn't say Carolina wouldn't listen to offers. He eluded that the Panthers always have their ear tuned to any potential deals. He did defend Sanders, who was maligned for his lack of production during the 2023 season after playing a vital role on a Philadelphia Eagles team that made the Super Bowl that same year. 

"I think Dave [Canales] will tell you the same thing," Morgan said, "we think highly of Miles."

If Carolina were to trade Sanders, it wouldn't be this summer. His trade value is as low as it has ever been in his career. The contract is one stipulation, but Sanders is also coming off the worst year of his NFL career. 

Sanders started five games. He was usurped by Hubbard as the starting running back a quarter of the way into the season. He dealt with injuries, which landed him with merely 129 rushing attempts for 432 yards. Most egregious was his 3.3 yards per carry, which ranked the third-lowest among qualified players. He wasn't good. And he isn't necessarily young either. 

Morgan isn't planning on trading Sanders yet because there is little to be gained by dealing a running back on a bloated contract after his worst year of football. 

Brooks presents an interesting wrinkle in the running back room. It wouldn't be shocking if he plays a bigger role in the Panthers' offense than Sanders. But don't expect Carolina to trade Sanders soon – for several reasons – that appears off the table.