The Indianapolis Colts already have a reliable running back in Jonathan Taylor, but a trade proposal for Miles Sanders could provide the former Pro Bowler with a fresh start in the AFC.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggested some potential trades for players in need of a fresh start, including notable names like defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and wide receiver Tee Higgins. Among these, he proposed a reasonable trade offer to bring Sanders to the Colts.
Colts receive:** RB Miles Sanders
Panthers receive:** 2025 sixth-round pick
“Indianapolis would be the optimal landing spot for a Sanders resurgence,” Ballentine wrote. “His best season came with the Eagles when Shane Steichen was the offensive coordinator. He had 1,347 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022 before Steichen left to become the Indianapolis Colts head coach.”
While Sanders isn’t the same player he once was, he could still play a crucial role for the Colts.
Miles Sanders Can Still Be a Productive Running Back
Things didn’t go well for Sanders in 2023, but a change of scenery could benefit him greatly. Sanders broke out nationally in his final year at Penn State, amassing 1,274 yards and nine touchdowns after taking over for Saquon Barkley.
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Sanders in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He gradually developed into a Pro Bowl running back, achieving a career-high 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022 without missing a game. This performance led to a lucrative four-year, $25.4 million deal with the Carolina Panthers in free agency.
However, the 2023 season was a nightmare for the Panthers, ending with a 2-15 record and poor offensive line play, resulting in career-low marks for Sanders. He managed just one rushing touchdown and averaged a disappointing 3.3 yards per carry.
A better overall offensive performance from the Panthers in 2024 could turn things around, but if not, a change of scenery might be the best move for both Sanders and Carolina.
The Colts Need a Reliable Backup Running Back
Jonathan Taylor is one of the NFL’s best running backs when healthy, but if he’s unable to play at any point in 2024, the Colts lack ideal backup options. Zack Moss filled in admirably for Taylor last season but left in free agency, leaving a handful of backs on the roster competing for playing time.
Tyler Goodson had limited action last season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, but is remembered for a crucial fourth-down drop in the season finale. Evan Hull, who shined in training camp as a rookie, missed the entire season due to a knee injury. Other potential backups include Trey Sermon and Zavier Scott.
A trade for Sanders could provide the Colts with a more established veteran backup behind Taylor, enhancing their depth and stability at the running back position.
