The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a running back competition, with the position set to undergo significant changes in 2025. Former starting running back Rico Dowdle has signed with the Carolina Panthers, leaving the Cowboys in need of a new RB1 for the upcoming season.
In response, Dallas has already made two veteran additions at running back during NFL free agency and shows no signs of slowing down. As the free agency period continues, the Cowboys have made another move by signing a former rival running back.
The Cowboys have agreed to a deal with former Panthers running back Miles Sanders. Cowboys fans will likely recognize Sanders from his time as the lead running back for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported the news on March 14, 2025, via X: “Just in: The Cowboys plan to sign veteran RB Miles Sanders, per @JFowlerESPN. Recently released by Carolina, Sanders—who began his career with the Eagles—is returning to the NFC East.”
The Cowboys Could Add a Rookie Running Back to Join Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders
The Cowboys recently signed former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they also used a high draft pick on a running back to create a three-way competition.
Miles Sanders, who joined the Panthers in 2023 after signing a four-year, $25.4 million contract, struggled to replicate his Pro Bowl form from his time with the Eagles. He is coming off the worst statistical season of his career, recording just 55 carries for 205 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games during the 2024 season.
In contrast, Sanders had a standout season with the Eagles in 2022, rushing 259 times for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns over 17 games—earning his only Pro Bowl selection.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Sanders will join the Cowboys on a one-year deal, which will be significantly cheaper due to his recent decline in performance. Both Williams and Sanders are likely on prove-it contracts, meaning neither is guaranteed a spot on the final roster.
With these additions, there is even more speculation about how the Cowboys will approach the running back position in the upcoming NFL draft.
Could the Cowboys Still Select Star RB Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty continues to be mentioned as a potential target for the Dallas Cowboys. To secure Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy finalist, the Cowboys would likely need to commit to selecting him in the first round.
According to CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli, the Cowboys could trade up from the No. 12 pick to the No. 9 pick in a deal with the New Orleans Saints to draft Jeanty.
In his March 7 story titled “2025 NFL mock draft: Chiefs, Cowboys trade into top 10, plus should we be concerned with Ashton Jeanty’s size?” Fornelli noted, “Clearly the Cowboys aren’t concerned about his size in this mock. I don’t know. The Cowboys have been way too quiet this offseason and it feels like they’re due to do something big.”
He added that trading up to select Jeanty would be a bold move, especially for a sports city in need of a reason to celebrate.