Carolina Panthers to sign former standout Longhorns running back

The Carolina Panthers signed a former standout running back from the Texas Longhorns to a one-year deal on Tuesday, following a breakout season last year. Former Tennessee Titans running back D’Onta Foreman took advantage of his opportunity when star Derrick Henry went out with injury, and the Panthers have now signed him to their roster to improve their own running game’s depth.

Panthers sign former Longhorns running back D’Onta Foreman

“The Panthers are signing running back D’Onta Foreman,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “One of the coolest comeback stories in the NFL last year, Foreman went from 22 carries between 2019 and 2020 to averaging 4.3 yards on 133 attempts last year. Very solid depth.”

Foreman was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, but has struggled to find his footing at the NFL level until last year. In two seasons with the Texans he only ran for 326 yards and two touchdowns. Foreman spent the past two seasons with the Titans, but didn’t see major success until they called on him to take a larger load when Derrick Henry went down with injury.

Over a stretch of five games last year, Foreman broke 100 yards rushing three times, helping the Titans maintain success while giving Henry time to recover for the playoffs. Foreman finished the 2021 season with 566 yards rushing, three rushing touchdowns and 123 yards receiving. The Panthers will look to capitalize on that shown talent, by offering him a reported one-year deal for $2 million.

“I’m told running back D’Onta Foreman intends to sign with the Panthers on a one-year deal worth $2 million,” added CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson.

Foreman entered the NFL following his breakout year at Texas in 2016. In his junior year with the Longhorns, he rushed for 2028 yards and 15 touchdowns while winning the Doak Walker Award. The consensus all-American led the Big 12 in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns for the 2016 season.