Panthers must reward D’Onta Foreman with new contract in 2023

D’Onta Foreman deserves an extension from the Carolina Panthers after making a notable impression over the second half of 2022.

When the Carolina Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers for an impressive draft haul before the deadline, all hope seemed lost. This was a team going nowhere fast in the immediate aftermath of Matt Rhule’s firing, who dragged the franchise to the brink of oblivion thanks to a series of flawed personnel moves and rash coaching methods.

Instead, the Panthers managed to turn things around under Steve Wilks. It didn’t come with a shock NFC South title triumph, but they ended up getting far closer than even the brightest optimist predicted following a 1-5 start.

This is thanks in no small part to an exceptional contribution from D’Onta Foreman. The running back spearheaded Carolina’s newfound physical ethos, coming of age with additional responsibilities en route to some impressive performances with Wilks at the helm.

Foreman was seldom seen under Rhule despite filling in superbly for Derrick Henry on the Tennessee Titans in 2021. Once he was given a chance to shine, the former third-round pick made the most of it in no uncertain terms.

D’Onta Foreman keen for extended stay with Carolina Panthers

Heading into Week 18 at the New Orleans Saints, the one-time Texas star has 846 rushing yards and five touchdowns from 191 carries. This also includes 10 broken tackles, 377 yards after contact, and a creditable 72.9 grade from Pro Football Focus for good measure.

With Foreman signed to a one-year deal in free agency last spring, thoughts of a contract extension are already at the forefront of fans’ minds. When speaking about the issue this week, the powerful back made no secret of his desire to remain in Carolina beyond the current campaign.

"“I want to be here. I would enjoy being with these guys, and (with) everything we started, to build on the trajectory we’re on, I feel like it’d be great to be back. I’ve never been in a situation where I felt like I was at home and one of the guys, so I really don’t want to give that up. I’m trying to find me a home, and be somewhere where I know they want me and where I want to be.”"

There is a stigma surrounding the need to pay running backs the going rate with so much talent emerging from the college ranks annually. The Panthers felt the sting of this by giving McCaffrey a lucrative extension only for the All-Pro to spend the best part of two years injured after not missing a game over his first three years in the league.

According to Spotrac, Foreman’s market value stands at $3.45 million on a one-year deal. This wouldn’t break the bank by any stretch of the imagination and could provide continuity for Wilks or another head coach to build upon next season.

This is the least Foreman deserves, in all honesty. He’s been tasked with carrying a heavy load within a limited offense supremely reliant on the run, so there could be more to come from the player once a fresh set of offensive ideas come into the fold.

It’s hard not to be impressed by Foreman’s work ethic, overall attitude, and elite mindset to step in at a moment’s notice with minimal fuss. These traits are valued highly by the Panthers and general manager Scott Fitterer is known for rewarding players that prove their worth.

Regardless of what happens in Carolina’s final game of the season, Foreman’s already done that and then some.