It could come down between the Ravens and Chargers to fight for 4,200-yard running back Miles Sanders in a trade. One report still has Sanders on the trading block and this makes sense considering the Panthers are 1-5 looking outside of the postseason. However, the veteran’s stock dropped in last year’s campaign notching 129 receptions for 432 yards and one touchdown. Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Penn State product was looking for more reps as a starter for another roster which was a reason for leaving the Eagles.
It hasn’t worked out for Sanders since the Panthers brought in Chuba Hubbard and getting most of those touches. Rookie Jonathon Brooks will probably be Hubbard’s backup next season once he returns to full health and plays his first snap, making Sanders expendable. Since Hubbard has been effective and the Panthers are likely to tank, they should be available to trade Sanders.
The 27-year-old could be heading towards a couple more prime years after having one of those in Philadelphia. There’s no guarantee what he could do for a roster since he hasn’t been able to stay healthy after suffering another injury this year. However, he could be a viable rotational depth piece for a championship team that needs a new gadget. The Ravens and Chargers could be the best fits for his veteran status and the experience he has under his belt.
Ravens, Chargers May Fight For 4,200-Yard Trade Candidate Miles Sanders
Old Playoffs Sanders?
The Ravens have one of the best running games in the league today. Derrick Henry is a ferocious runner who can break out tackles and make plays happen. However, they’re struggling to find a new backup since losing Keaton Mitchell to a season-ending injury despite having Justice Hill as an option. Hill is more valuable for Lamar Jackson’s passing game whenever the offense calls play-action plays or finds him in a quick target in pressured situations.
Perhaps, Miles Sanders may not be the best anymore but he could probably wipe off the dust and be a trustable speedster to share the snap with Henry. In 2022, he had two touchdowns in the NFC Championship game against the 49ers, even though he might not produce those numbers anymore, he still could be effective in moving the chains. Sanders doesn’t need to play full-time since playing for the Ravens should bring out the best in him again like old Philadelphia days. He might not be like a prime Mark Ingram but his experience and ability to find his rhythm could still be there.
Jim Harbaugh’s Philosophy
With Gus Edwards out, the Chargers need a couple more veteran bodies to accomplish Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy of running the football. The team doesn’t have many experienced pass catchers which means Justin Herbert is relying on the running game to keep their entire offense afloat. This is thanks to Harbaugh wanting to focus on the run but it’s been average at best this season and J.K. Dobbins will have to carry the load moving forward. Rookie Kimani Vidal has shown a few flashes as a supplement behind Dobbins but no one should expect him to be a full-time starter yet.
Ideally, Sanders wants to get more touches which is what he was looking for in Carolina. In Harbaugh’s world, he could get his wish as the veteran might be efficient behind a better offensive line. Herbert is a better quarterback than Bryce Young and Andy Dalton combined. This trade would make sense for both sides considering the hunger they have to explode in the backfield.
