Penny to the Panthers

A former (but seldomly used) Philadelphia Eagle has found a new landing spot.

Rashaad Penny is reportedly heading to the Carolina Panthers, per ESPN.

Source: Running back Rashaad Penny plans to sign with the #Panthers.

Former first-round pick reunites with head coach Dave Canales from their Seattle days.

Signing likely happening after rookie minicamp. pic.twitter.com/uAsBi8eHpQ

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 6, 2024

Penny’s curious saga with the Eagles began in March of 2023 as the team’s first outside free agent agreement, coming off back-to-back seasons averaging over six yards per carry.

Despite being expected to handle a bulk of carries in the running back room, a draft day trade for Pro Bowl RB D’Andre Swift changed plans, relegating him to a healthy scratch for the majority of the season. 

Penny found himself playing in just three games and recording 11 carries, unable to beat out Kenny Gainwell for the changeup back role.

Unsigned until May, Penny becomes the second back in as many seasons to bolt the Birds for the Panthers, following in the footsteps of Miles Sanders.

But ultimately both Sanders and Penny’s roster spots are far from guaranteed after the Panthers made Jonathan Brooks the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft in a crowded room that also includes Chuba Hubbard, Tarik Cohen, and Mike Boone competing for a role.

End of the Road?

The New Orleans Saints’ draft seems to be an indication of the status of their All-Pro tackle.

Saints insider Nick Underhill believes the team should be preparing for life without Ryan Ramczyk. 

I'd plan for never and hope for the best https://t.co/Gw6OSbJm0m

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) May 5, 2024

 

Ramczyk’s status for the season and career has been in question for months following a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short and is reportedly not rehabbing properly.

The #Saints are preparing for the real possibility that OT Ryan Ramczyk is medically not able to play this season, sources say. Coach Dennis Allen alluded to Ramczyk’s knee not responding as they hoped, and it’s unclear when or if it will. A true question mark. pic.twitter.com/KJpVwvYKGm

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 26, 2024

 

The Saints selected Taliese Fuaga out of Oregon State in the first round of the ‘24 draft, one who played the majority of his collegiate snaps on the right side. 

If the worst case scenario happens and Ramczyk is unable to see the field again, New Orleans will rely on their first round pick to replace their three-time All Pro.

Titan Visit

The Tennessee Titans are not done trying to poach their divisional rival’s wideout core.

Wide receiver Zay Jones, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars and a post-draft addition to the free agent market, is taking a visit to Tennessee, per NFL Network.

Free agent WR Zay Jones, who was released after the NFL Draft by the #Jaguars, is visiting the #Titans today, source said.

Jones has an obvious connection to Tennessee OC Nick Holz, as the two were both in Jacksonville last year.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 6, 2024

The Titans made a splash earlier in the offseason after signing Calvin Ridley, another former starting Jags receiver, to a four-year, $92 million deal. 

Jones was a reliable target for Trevor Lawrence in 2022, recording 82 receptions for 823 yards and five touchdowns, but was limited to just nine games in 2023.

With the signing of Gabe Davis and first round draft selection of Brian Thomas Jr., Jones was released before the final season of his three-year $24 million contract.

The 29-year-old Jones would join another crowded WR room in Tennessee with Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Treylon Burks.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.