The Dallas Cowboys are on the brink of the NFL trade deadline, and one glaring issue demands urgent attention: their ground game. Currently, the Cowboys rank last in the league in rushing yards (519) and yards per attempt (3.4), a dismal showing for a team with playoff ambitions. Their decision to let Tony Pollard walk in free agency, only to re-sign a past-his-prime Ezekiel Elliott, has backfired, leaving their running back room dangerously thin.
According to Spotrac’s Mike Ginnitti, the answer to Dallas’ woes could be Miles Sanders of the Carolina Panthers. Sanders, a former Eagles Pro Bowler, joined the Panthers on a four-year, $24.5 million deal two years ago. Despite his contract not being expiring, Ginnitti believes the Cowboys could acquire him cheaply—possibly for a sixth-round pick—and gain a reliable back who would immediately boost their running attack. Sanders has averaged 4.7 yards per carry throughout his career and is also an asset in the passing game.
For Dallas, Sanders represents both a short-term solution and a longer-term investment. With three years remaining on his contract, but no guaranteed money beyond this season, the Cowboys could explore restructuring options if he proves a fit, potentially keeping him as a low-cost RB2 for future seasons.
Why Miles Sanders Makes Sense for Dallas
The Cowboys have cycled through various running back options to no avail this season, with veteran signings and patchwork solutions failing to fill Pollard’s shoes. Sanders brings proven reliability and versatility, skills that could provide Dallas the consistency it needs on the ground. Ginnitti argues that, given Sanders’ favorable contract structure, Dallas could bring him in as a “million-dollar rental” or a longer-term piece at a reasonable cost.
As the trade deadline looms, the Cowboys must decide if Sanders is the missing piece to stabilize their offense and keep their playoff hopes alive.
