Breaking: Colts Closing In On Deal To Sign Panthers $25.4 Million Running Back After Been Deemed Surplus

Miles Sanders, the Carolina Panthers’ running back, is one of the most popular names on the trade market. Carolina’s prior regime invested heavily on the running back, who was drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles after racking up 1,200 yards in 2022. Unfortunately, the Penn State product was unable to reproduce his performance in 2023, averaging just 3.3 yards per attempt and losing the starting job to longtime backup Chuba Hubbard. Carolina’s new head coach and general manager, Jonathan Brooks, was taken in the second round, leading to speculation that the veteran may be replaced.

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 Miles Sanders’ trade destination. Running back production is heavily reliant on supporting cast, and Indianapolis can replicate the circumstances that enabled Sanders to prosper in 2022.Shane Steichen, the former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, is now the head coach of the Colts. The team’s quarterback, Anthony Richardson, is mobile and the offensive line is reliable. All of these qualities should come together to bring out the best in the former Eagle.

Of course, the Colts would not trade for Miles Sanders just to make him the starter. Star running back Jonathan Taylor is solidly at the top of the depth chart, but the former All-Pro has struggled to remain on the field over the last two years. With Zack Moss now in Cincinnati, the Colts could benefit from having a competent backup in case of another injury. Sanders should be able to handle starting responsibilities for a team wanting to compete once their starting quarterback is well 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.