The Carolina Panthers and running back Miles Sanders never really hit it off.

Last spring saw the two sides come to a four-year, $25.4 million agreement out of free agency, a rather lucrative investment in a time where the position has been undervalued. But since then, the former Philadelphia Eagle has rushed for only 564 yards over 23 games while taking a backseat to starter Chuba Hubbard.

With second-round pick and rookie Jonathon Brooks inching closer to his on-field return, Sanders may eventually be phased out of Carolina's backfield completely. So with the trade deadline now two weeks away, let's look for some potential suitors for the sixth-year back.

Dallas Cowboys

Between rostering past-their-prime veterans Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook and averaging a league-worst 77.2 rushing yards per game, the Cowboys seem like an obvious suitor for Sanders. Plus, they were reportedly keeping tabs on the potential availability of the 27-year-old this past summer.

Dallas, who is also averaging the third-fewest rushing attempts per contest, could look to establish the run by just upping the workload for starter Rico Dowdle—a pretty dynamic player in his own right. But if they want an extra and much-needed spark to their struggling offense, Sanders might be an intriguing add.

Indianapolis Colts

Offenses under Colts head coach Shane Steichen are at their best when they can impose their will through the ground. That hasn't been very easy to do for his team in 2024, where starter Jonathan Taylor has already missed three games to an ankle injury.

Sanders had the best season of his six-year NFL career in 2022, when he rushed for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns with Steichen calling the plays in Philadelphia. Perhaps a reunion would help reinforce Indy's backfield, giving the 4-3 Colts a balanced one-two punch and insurance plan for the heavily-worked Taylor.

Las Vegas Raiders

Unlike the first two potential suitors on this list, the next two aren't exactly in the playoff hunt. They should, however, still be on the search for some rushing production.

The Raiders haven't gotten much out of Alexander Mattison and Zamir White—who have averaged 3.6 and 3.2 yards per carry, respectively. Those averages currently stand as the third-lowest and lowest amongst those of running backs with at least 50 attempts thus far.

New England Patriots

New England has a similar issue to Las Vegas'. The Patriots also have two backs, Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, who are leaving quite a bit of meat on the bone.

Rookie quarterback and 2024's third overall pick Drake Maye has now been installed as the starter under center. So the organization could help out their 22-year-old passer by improving his backfield.

More Panthers coverage

Related

Here are the 1st looks of Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks at practice

Should Panthers consider trading Chuba Hubbard when Jonathon Brooks returns?

The growth of Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard should not go unnoticed

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 teams that could have trade interest in Panthers RB Miles Sanders