The Dallas Cowboys could enhance their backfield by trading for veteran running back Miles Sanders from the Carolina Panthers, adding crucial depth and experience.
Sanders, who had a challenging first season with the Panthers, signed a four-year, $25.4 million contract with $13 million guaranteed in 2023. Despite a Pro Bowl season in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles, he struggled in Carolina, finishing with 432 yards and 1 touchdown, averaging only 3.3 yards per carry.
Sanders saw limited action, playing just 38% of the offensive snaps, and is now positioned behind Chuba Hubbard on the depth chart. The Cowboys’ running back group includes Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Royce Freeman. Dallas is considering Sanders and Dalvin Cook as potential additions to boost their offensive capabilities if needed, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes that trading for Sanders could be a more advantageous move and might influence the NFC East standings.
“Sanders should have more mileage left. He’s two years younger and had valid reasons for his struggles in Carolina behind their offensive line,” Ballentine remarked on August 18. “He could likely be acquired cheaply in a trade or signed if the Panthers trim their roster.”
Sanders has accumulated 4,140 yards and 21 touchdowns in his career and can also contribute as a receiver.
Cowboys Confident in Ezekiel Elliott After Reunion
The Cowboys have re-signed Ezekiel Elliott after a year apart, mainly due to Tony Pollard’s departure to the Tennessee Titans. Elliott, who spent last season with the New England Patriots, saw career lows in several categories, including carries (184), rushing yards (642), rushing touchdowns (3), and total touchdowns (5). Although he’s no longer the dominant force he was during his previous tenure in Dallas, the Cowboys are optimistic about his role in the offense.
“Not all running backs possess that level of football IQ,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told Yahoo Sports. “[Elliott] views the game like a quarterback, understanding the broader context, which is impressive.
“The tough yards, the grind-it-out situations, the crucial moments? Don’t underestimate him. He still has a lot left to give.”
Elliott expressed his desire to complete some “unfinished business” with the Cowboys, aiming for a Super Bowl with the team that drafted him. “I think we all know what my goal is before it’s all over, so there’s no need to spell it out,” Elliott said on August 6. “We’ll take it one day at a time, focusing on improvement with each practice.”
Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn Shines in Preseason Action
A potential surprise for the Cowboys’ backfield is Deuce Vaughn. The 2023 sixth-round pick had a modest 40-yard rushing performance last season with seven catches for another 40 yards.
Standing at 5-foot-6, Vaughn delivered a strong preseason showing against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 18, rushing for 34 yards on just 5 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. He also demonstrated notable power in his limited action. “I wanted to be more powerful to improve the offense’s positioning on second and third downs,” Vaughn said. “It was a key focus for me in the offseason, so setting this foundation is significant.”
The Cowboys kick off their regular season on September 8 against the Cleveland Browns.