Cowboys Have Perfect Trade Opportunity to Fix Jerry Jones' Biggest Offseason Mistake

The Dallas Cowboys shockingly decided to neglect the running back spot in free agency even though several significant names would’ve made their offense one of the most complete in the NFL.

However, the Cowboys chose to do things their way and brought back veteran Ezekiel Elliott on a one-year contract to be a part of a running back room that featured Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. 

In addition to those names, Dallas signed former New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook to the practice squad at the end of last month. If this was 4-5 years ago, you could say that the Cowboys have the best RB room in the league with Elliott and Cook.

But it’s 2024 and Dallas’ rushing attack hasn’t looked explosive through the first two weeks of the regular season. The Cowboys are ranked 26th in the NFL with 85 yards per game. 

Elliott and Dowdle have 56 rushing yards each. They are also averaging 3.5 and 3.7 yards per carry, respectively. It’s not a good look and if that trend continues, the Cowboys will not make that deep playoff run.

Therefore, the Cowboys should be on the lookout to make a move between now and the trade deadline to bolster their backfield. There aren’t many huge names available since we are only heading into Week 3, but there’s an underperforming running back in Carolina, who could solve their woes.

Miles Sanders has struggled to live up to the huge four-year, $25 million contract he signed with the Panthers in 2023. 

Last season, Sanders recorded 432 rushing yards (career-worst) and a touchdown and was seemingly replaced by Chuba Hubbard. This season, the former Eagles running back only has 42 yards on 12 carries.

Looking at those stats and his contract, it doesn’t make sense for the Cowboys to go after the former Eagles running back. However, ESPN’s Dan Graziano (subscription required) believes the Cowboys are a potential landing spot for Sanders.

"“An acquiring team would have to deal with a prorated portion of his $4.02 million guaranteed salary, but no money is guaranteed after this year. Carolina would take on a mere $2.95 million in dead money, plus any portion of the salary it would have to pay as a condition of the trade.”"

- ESPN's Dan Graziano

Only having to deal with $4.02 million guaranteed and no guaranteed money after this season, 

Dallas might have to consider a potential deal with Carolina. Sanders has shown the ability to be an effective pass catcher out of the backfield during his career. He’s also averaging 4.8 yards per carry for his career, which hasn’t been apparent with the Panthers.

However, if you put him behind this Cowboys’ offensive line and with playmakers such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and Brandin Cooks, he might look like the player they saw in Philadelphia.

Nonetheless, we are a long way from actual trade rumors, but if this Cowboys’ running game doesn’t get going, fans will be looking for a new guy to run the ball.

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