TRADE REPORT: Proposed Trade has Cowboys Swap QB for $25 Million Pro Bowler
The Dallas Cowboys face issues at running back but have plenty of quarterbacks on their roster. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are in dire need of quarterback help and have former Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders sitting low on their depth chart. With Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as backup QBs for Dallas, the team could explore a trade.
Both quarterbacks are set to become free agents in 2025. For the Panthers, Rush might be the preferred option, as he’s ready to start immediately, unlike Lance, who is still considered a developmental player, similar to Bryce Young.
Trading Rush for Sanders could be a reasonable move for the Cowboys. Sanders is under contract for four years, $25.4 million, running through 2026, but the Panthers have an option to release him after this season with a $2.9 million cap hit. Despite carrying a $7.6 million cap hit this season, Sanders has only managed 12 carries for 42 yards over the first two games, falling short of expectations given his contract.
Cowboys QB Cooper Rush Could Be an Upgrade for the Panthers Over Andy Dalton
Currently, the Carolina Panthers are starting former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton, but Cooper Rush could be a significant upgrade for them at the position.
On the flip side, Miles Sanders would likely become the Cowboys’ best running back right away. Despite coming off the least productive season of his career, with just 129 carries for 432 yards and one touchdown, it’s important to recognize that he also had the fewest opportunities.
In 2022, Sanders had a Pro Bowl season with the Cowboys’ rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, where he logged 259 carries for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns, playing in all 17 games. His past success highlights his potential to make an immediate impact in Dallas.
Trading Cooper Rush Would Mean the Cowboys Trust Trey Lance
Lance would become the Cowboys’ first line of defence behind Dak Prescott as part of this prospective transaction. Lance was one play away from being called into action, and the quarterback did not appear prepared in preseason action.
Sanders, on the other hand, has the potential to start right away for Dallas. Sanders is already trailing Chuba Hubbard, and the Panthers spent a top draft pick on rookie running back Jonathon Brooks. When the playmaker returns from injury, Sanders is likely to fall even further down the Panthers’ depth chart.
The Cowboys Could Turn to Dalvin Cook Sooner Rather Than Later
Miles Sanders today:
17 carries, 145 yards, 2 TDs
Have a day. pic.twitter.com/NgzaebRKnJ
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) December 11, 2022
The Cowboys may look to Dalvin Cook as a solution to their struggling run game. Both Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott have been underwhelming through the first two games, and Cook, currently on the practice squad, could be the next option.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano in a September 18 story, “NFL Week 3 latest buzz, predictions, questions, fantasy tips,” the Cowboys are aware of their issues in the running game and might consider activating Cook if the current running backs don’t improve. Graziano notes, “They like the way Dalvin Cook has looked since they signed him to the practice squad,” but it seems unlikely that Cook will be activated this week. However, if the team continues to struggle in their matchup against the Ravens, Cook could be given an opportunity soon.