The Dallas Cowboys' running back room is full of question marks behind Javonte Williams, who's back on a new three-year deal after an expectation-defying 2025 campaign.
However, Williams needs a capable backup to keep him fresh, and it's anyone's guess if Jaydon Blue or Phil Mafah are ready to carry that load. Malik Davis' experience and ability to play on special teams give him an upper hand that must be baked into the conversation.
While Davis' experience is valued inside The Star, it speaks volumes that Dallas has not explored re-signing veteran Miles Sanders. Granted, Sanders turned 29 in May and is coming off season-ending knee surgery.
While Davis' experience is valued inside The Star, it speaks volumes that Dallas has not explored re-signing veteran Miles Sanders. To be fair, Sanders turned 29 in May and is coming off season-ending knee surgery, which is hardly an enticing combination for a free-agent running back.
Even so, the latest development all but confirms the Cowboys have moved on. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Sanders worked out for the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday. Per Fowler, Sanders is "fully cleared" from his knee injury.
Sanders working out this late in the offseason speaks to how he's viewed around the league. Dallas' lack of interest unequivocally should be taken as a positive.
The Dallas Cowboys have all but moved on from free agent RB Miles Sanders
Sanders won the Cowboys' RB2 job out of training camp last year and was fairly productive before going under the knife, tallying 117 rushing yards and a touchdown on 5.9 yards per clip, while catching eight passes for 30 yards. He had a costly fumble that loomed large in Dallas' Week 1 loss in Philadelphia, but he had already solidified a significant role as Williams' backup.
It was evident, though, that Sanders had lost a step from the player who topped 1,000 scrimmage yards in three of his four seasons with the Eagles. Malik Davis had a couple of really good games after replacing Sanders, and he's more versatile than his former teammate as a special-teamer.
Sanders can return kicks, but so can Davis, and Davis is also trusted as the main protector in the punting operation. He did a little bit of everything last season for Nick Sorenensen's unit.
The Cowboys clearly feel better off with Davis, who could end up being kept as the RB3 even if Blue or Mafah show out in training camp. Dallas wants more from the RB2 spot, and it's fair to question how much a 29-year-old Sanders has left in the tank after a major knee surgery.
Sanders underwent a chondral tissue graft surgery, meaning doctors inserted pieces of bone and cartilage into Sanders' knee to restore normal functionality. Former cornerback Trevon Diggs had the same surgery in January of 2025. He recovered in time to start Week 1, but it was evident how much slower he looked.
Even if Sanders doesn't sign with the Raiders, the sheer lack of interest from Dallas affirms the relationship has run its course. The Cowboys' RB2 may not be on the roster, but it's safe to say that Sanders won't have any role in the competition set to unfold in Oxnard.
Give Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah every opportunity to win the job. The Cowboys can always dip back into the veteran market later this summer.
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