Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders is one of the most popular names on the trade market. A second-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina’s former regime spent big on the running back following his 1,200-yard 2022. Unfortunately, the Penn State product could not replicate his success in 2023, averaging a paltry 3.3 yards per attempt while losing the starting job to longtime backup Chuba Hubbard. With a new head coach and general manager selected Jonathon Brooks in the second round, it seems it’s only a matter of time before Carolina parts ways with the veteran.
Miles Sanders didn’t work out in Carolina, but that doesn’t mean nobody will be interested in trading for him. Perhaps he’ll never recapture his 2022 form, but the running back proved he can be an adequate starter and above-average backup in the right system. In a recent article, Bleacher Report detailed why the Colts should take a shot on Sanders.
Colts Urged To Trade For Panthers Running Back Miles Sanders
The Colts make perfect sense as a Miles Sanders trade destination. Running back production is highly dependent upon supporting cast, and Indianapolis can re-create the environment that allowed Sanders to thrive in 2022. Philadelphia’s old offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is now the Colts head coach, the team has a mobile quarterback in Anthony Richardson, and the offensive line is reliable. All these factors should combine to bring out the best in the former Eagle.
Of course, the Colts would not trade for Miles Sanders to make him the starter. Star running back Jonathan Taylor is firmly entrenched atop the depth chart, but the former All-Pro has struggled to stay on the field over the past two years. With Zack Moss now in Cincinnati, the Colts could use a reliable backup in case injury strikes again. Sanders should be able to handle starting responsibilities for a team hoping to compete with their starting quarterback healthy once again.
While the Colts make plenty of sense, they probably won’t be the only team interested in a Miles Sanders trade. The 2024 NFL Draft class lacked talent at running back, so a reliable veteran like Sanders should draw some interest on the open market.
Possible Destinations
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have arguably the worst running back room in sports. Zamir White played well in small doses last year, but that doesn’t mean he can handle full-time starting duties. Alexander Mattison is proof of this, as the current Raider crashed and burned after becoming the RB1 for the Minnesota Vikings. Miles Sanders might not be the type of guy to get 300 touches, but the trade target can add some depth to this underwhelming group. Between these three and rookie Dylan Laube, they should be able to get by in 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have a solid starting running back in Isiah Pacheco and not much else. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is one of the worst first-round picks of the Brett Veach Era, and nobody wants to see Keaontay Ingram or Deneric Prince seeing serious touches. Andy Reid’s scheme brings out the best in running backs, so perhaps Miles Sanders can have something of a career resurgence if acquired via trade.
New York Giants
Devin Singletary will replace Saquon Barkley, but the journeyman running back can’t singlehandedly take all that work. New York has bigger needs on their roster, but a Miles Sanders trade shouldn’t take too much draft capital or financial resources. Daniel Jones proved he shouldn’t be the focal point of any offense, so adding Sanders to the mix will lessen the burden on the embattled quarterback.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to run the ball early and often, but he’ll have a tough time doing it with his current options. Gus Edwards is an unremarkable journeyman, while J.K. Dobbins is coming off an Achilles injury. Miles Sanders might not be better than these two, but the Chargers could trade a late-round pick to see if Greg Roman’s running back-friendly scheme can bring out the best in the former second-round pick.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have a superstar running back in Derrick Henry but could use more depth. 2023 breakout star Keaton Mitchell won’t be back any time soon, which means there is a glaring hole at the RB2 position. Henry is an every-down starter, but no human being can handle 100% of the offensive carries. Miles Sanders should be able to find some success behind a strong offensive line and with defenses focusing on Lamar Jackson’s running abilities.
Main Photo: Corey Perrine – USA Today Sports
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