Bottom Line

If healthy, Penny projects as an early-down replacement for Miles Sanders.

Of course, the healthy part hasn’t been easy for Penny, who has topped 10 games in a season only once.

He’s still in his prime at 27. But rushing and scoring efficiency will be critical given Penny’s lack of receiving upside.

What We Learned Last Year

• Penny barely played for Seattle in 2022 (57 carries). But his limited sample proved impressive.
  • He tallied elite marks of 6.1 yards per carry and 4.23 yards after contact per attempt.
  • Ten of his attempts went for at least 10 yards (~18%).
• His season ended with a tibia fracture, costing him 12 games.
  • Penny has missed 40 games since entering the NFL with several injuries, namely: hamstring, calf, and ACL.
• Penny tallied only five targets in five appearances. His season-high in targets? 12, back in 2018.

What to Expect in 2023

• Penny signed a one-year deal with only $600K guaranteed.
• Call it a low-risk, all-reward signing for a squad that lost Miles Sanders (and his 259 carries) to free agency.
• Penny looks like the better early-down back than trade acquisition D’Andre Swift.
  • Philadelphia only gave up a 2025 fourth in that deal while swapping seventh-rounders in 2023.
• Penny, at 220+ pounds, projects as the goal-line back. But Jalen Hurts will remain heavily involved after seeing 26 carries inside the 10-yard line.
  • Only two players (Jamaal Williams, Joe Mixon) beat that mark.
• Philly’s O-line lost G Isaac Seumalo to free agency. But C Jason Kelce decided to put off retirement for another year, and stud tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata return. We’re not concerned about this unit.