Viewed as three-down back
Speaking Monday, Panthers coach Frank Reich said he views Sanders as a three-down back, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer.
Sanders' four-year, $25.4 million deal with Carolina made him the NFL's 12th-highest-paid running back, and the Panthers apparently have big plans for their new playmaker. In Indianapolis, Reich had Jonathan Taylor, who was featured as an every-down workhorse. And Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown had Cam Akers, whom the Rams rode hard for different stretches in recent years. Sanders only saw 26 targets as an early-down back in Philadelphia last season, but it sounds like that number could grow in Carolina. As a result, he could be an attractive fantasy RB2 likely playing in an offense with a rookie quarterback for much of the 2023 season.
More Carolina Panthers Fantasy Football News
DJ Chark Jr.
WR | CAR
Held out of team drills
Chark (ankle) had his helmet at Monday's practice but didn't participate in team drills, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Bryce Young
QB | CAR
Works with first team
Young split first-team reps with Andy Dalton on the first day of OTAs, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Hayden Hurst
TE | CAR
Recovering from sports hernia
Coach Frank Reich said Monday that Hurst (sports hernia) is recovering from a procedure and progressing well, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Andy Dalton
QB | CAR
Working with first-string offense
Dalton will work with the first-team offense during summer OTAs, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Tommy Tremble
TE | CAR
Drops to third on depth chart
Tremble seems to be third on Carolina's TE depth chart after Hayden Hurst signed with the team and Ian Thomas accepted a pay cut, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Matt Corral
QB | CAR
Hoping for No. 3 QB job
Corral (foot) has gained weight since last year and will try to convince the Panthers to carry a third QB this season, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Shi Smith
WR | CAR
Slides down depth chart
Smith was Carolina's No. 3 receiver for most of last season but may be only sixth or seventh on the depth chart this spring, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Bryce Young
QB | CAR
Opening OTAs with second unit
Panthers coach Frank Reich said Young will work with the second-team offense at the beginning of OTAs, Joseph Person of The Athletic reports.
Josh Vann
WR | CAR
Going to Carolina
Vann is slated to sign with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
Jonathan Mingo
WR | CAR
New target for Bryce Young
The Panthers selected Mingo in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 39th overall.