Cowboys are struggling mightily with their ground game in 2024. They rank last in the NFL in rushing yards (519) and yards per carry (3.4). While they aren’t dead last in rushing touchdowns, they’re still close, coming in at No. 31 with just three scores.
This decline was anticipated. The Cowboys let their RB1, Tony Pollard, walk in free agency and opted to bring back an aging Ezekiel Elliott on a minimal deal. Despite the opportunity to draft a new running back in April, the team passed, leaving an obvious gap in the backfield.
This issue has remained a hot topic throughout the season, and with the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, the Cowboys have limited time left to address their faltering run game and show they’re still focused on competing in what’s been a challenging 2024 season.
PMiles Sanders: A Cost-Effective Option
Of all the potential running backs mentioned in trade speculation over the last six months, one name stands out for Dallas: Miles Sanders. The Panthers’ running back and former Eagles Pro Bowler signed with Carolina two years ago on a four-year, $24.5 million deal. Although Sanders’ contract extends beyond this season, he offers the Cowboys an immediate and valuable boost.
Sanders is a skilled pass-catcher and averages 4.7 yards per carry in his career. Adding him to the Cowboys’ roster could be both affordable and effective, providing a much-needed improvement to their struggling ground game.
A Potential Long-Term Solution for Dallas
This suggestion comes from Mike Ginnitti of Spotrac, who discussed on “The Spotrac Podcast” how Sanders could fill the Cowboys’ running back needs for the foreseeable future.
“Carolina has got to move on from Miles Sanders. To me, it just has to happen,” Ginnitti said. “One of these contending teams needs to assess their backfield and realize they need an upgrade. It could even be a borderline team like Dallas, who have been discussing their lack of depth at running back for, what, six months now? They tried Dalvin Cook, but it didn’t work out.”
“Are you giving up more than a sixth-round pick? Probably not. Now, yes, Sanders has three years left on his deal, but none of that is guaranteed. He’s essentially a million-dollar rental. You bring him in and see if he fits. If he does, you could ask him to take a pay cut to around $4 million next year. Then you’ve got a solid RB2 under contract for this and next year, likely for the price of a sixth-round pick.”
That’s the vision for this potential trade.
