The Dallas Cowboys are making waves ahead of the 2025 NFL season with a stunning roster decision that has left fans reeling. In a bold move, the team is poised to part ways with former Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders, a player who once dazzled with 1,269 rushing yards in a single season. This shakeup signals a dramatic shift in the Cowboys’ running back room as new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer looks to reshape the offense.
A Crowded Running Back Battle
The Cowboys revamped their running back position this offseason after a lackluster 2024 campaign led by Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle. Dallas brought in two veteran free agents, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, and doubled down by drafting Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah on the final day of the NFL Draft. This created one of the most competitive position battles in training camp, with questions swirling about who would emerge as the starter.
While Sanders, a 2022 Pro Bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles, was expected to compete for a significant role, recent reports suggest he may not even make the Cowboys’ final 53-man roster. According to USA Today’s Ben Grimaldi, the team is likely to favor Williams, Blue, Mafah, and versatile fullback Hunter Luepke, leaving Sanders on the outside looking in.
Miles Sanders’ Fall from Grace
Sanders’ journey to this point has been a rollercoaster. In 2022, he was a standout for the Eagles, racking up 259 carries for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns in 17 games. His explosive playmaking earned him a Pro Bowl nod and a lucrative contract with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. However, his time in Carolina was marred by inconsistency and injuries, culminating in a career-low 2024 season where he managed just 55 carries for 205 yards and two touchdowns in 11 appearances.
Hoping for a fresh start in Dallas, Sanders entered training camp with something to prove. Early reports indicated positive buzz around his performance, but the emergence of younger, cheaper talent appears to have sealed his fate. Grimaldi notes that the Cowboys could release Sanders and attempt to re-sign him to their practice squad if he clears waivers, a move that would allow Dallas to retain his experience while prioritizing rookie Phil Mafah on the active roster.
A New Direction for the Cowboys’ Backfield
Under former head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys typically carried three halfbacks and a fullback or H-back. With Schottenheimer now calling the shots, fans are eager to see if this philosophy will change. Grimaldi projects Javonte Williams as the starting running back, citing his proven ability when healthy and his affordable contract. Rookie Jaydon Blue is also considered a lock for the roster, thanks to his dynamic skill set, while Phil Mafah brings a bruising style that complements the group. Hunter Luepke rounds out the backfield with his versatility as a fullback and special teams contributor.
This roster configuration leaves no room for Sanders, whose $4 million cap hit and underwhelming 2024 performance make him expendable. The Cowboys’ decision to move on from a player with Sanders’ pedigree underscores their commitment to building a younger, more cost-effective backfield.
Can Jaydon Blue Steal the Spotlight?
One intriguing subplot in this shakeup is the potential for rookie Jaydon Blue to challenge for the starting role. While Williams is the projected starter, Blue’s speed and elusiveness have turned heads in camp. If the rookie can outshine the veterans, he could force Schottenheimer to rethink the depth chart, adding another layer of intrigue to Dallas’ running back competition.
What’s Next for Miles Sanders?
If Sanders is indeed cut, his NFL future remains uncertain. At 28 years old, he still has the talent to contribute to a team in need of backfield depth. However, his recent struggles may limit his market to a veteran minimum deal or a practice squad role. A return to Dallas’ practice squad is possible, but Sanders will likely explore opportunities with other teams first.
A Bold Statement from Dallas
The Cowboys’ decision to move on from a former Pro Bowl star like Miles Sanders sends a clear message: no player is safe in this new era under Brian Schottenheimer. With training camp battles heating up, all eyes will be on Williams, Blue, and Mafah as they vie for carries in a backfield desperate for a spark. For Cowboys fans, this roster shakeup is both a shock and a sign of bold changes to come in 2025.