Miles Sanders Trade Rumors Heat Up: Cowboys RB Could Be Dealt Before Deadline—Latest Updates & Analysis

The Dallas Cowboys’ backfield is suddenly the hottest discussion in fantasy football, and veteran running back Miles Sanders is right in the center of it. After signing a one-year, $1.34 million prove-it deal in March, Sanders is expected to see his largest workload of the young season when Dallas travels to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears in Week 3 on Sept. 21 at 4:25 p.m. ET. Why the sudden surge in touches? Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer hinted this week that the Cowboys want to “establish a downhill identity” after a costly red-zone fumble from Sanders in Week 1 and limited usage in Week 2. Coaches believe the former Pro Bowler’s vision and burst complement starter Javonte Williams and can keep defenses honest against Dak Prescott’s vertical passing game. Fantasy outlook and betting angles • Vegas books have installed Sanders’ rushing-yards prop around 46.5, with most shops juicing the over after reports of an expanded role. • He’s averaging 5.3 yards per carry on limited touches; Chicago is surrendering 124.0 rush yards per game, 22nd in the league. • In PPR formats, Sanders profiles as a high-end RB3/flex with top-20 upside if he captures goal-line work. Big-picture context Sanders’ career revival in Dallas is a sharp turn from March, when Carolina released the 2019 second-rounder just two seasons into a four-year, $25.4 million contract. The Cowboys pounced, envisioning a committee that could keep both Sanders and Williams fresh for a playoff push. Early returns were promising: Sanders ripped off a 34-yard burst in his Week 1 debut—his longest run since 2022. Keys to watch Sunday 1. Snap share: If Sanders tops 40 percent of offensive snaps, he could seize the 1A role. 2. Passing-down usage: He caught a career-high 50 balls in 2022; Prescott often checks down against Cover-2 shells. 3. Ball security: Another turnover would reopen the door for rookie Jaydon Blue, whom Dallas elevated from the practice squad. Bottom line Search volume is spiking as Cowboys Nation wonders whether Miles Sanders can become the missing piece in an already explosive offense. A strong showing against Chicago would not only reward fantasy managers and prop bettors—it could cement Sanders as Dallas’ lead back for the rest of 2025.