It might be time for the Eagles to pay Miles Sanders

When the Philadelphia Eagles feed Miles Sanders the ball, the results are in their favor. 

The Eagles are 15-6-1 in games where Sanders has 15 or more carries, per StatMuse. Most recently, Sanders finished last week's blowout win over the New York Giants with 17 carries for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

Sanders has logged 73 carries for 412 yards and five touchdowns in his last five games.

It might be time for the Eagles to pay Miles Sanders. 

Sanders has carved up defenses for 1,068 yards and 11 touchdowns on 5.2 yards per carry, per ESPN. He has the fifth-most rushing yards in the league and is tied for third in touchdowns. This is also his first 1,000-yard season. When Sanders gets the amount of touches he deserves, he has the ability to be a top-five running back. 

While Sanders shares the backfield with Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott, there is no denying that he's the top dawg in the Eagles' smashmouth offense. 

Since Nick Sirianni took over as head coach in 2021, the Eagles rushing attack elevated its game. The Eagles were the No. 1 rushing offense in the league last year with 2,715 rushing yards, per StatMuse. Going into Week 15, the Eagles have the second-best rushing offense in the league this year behind only the Chicago Bears, per StatMuse. Sanders was the Eagles' leading rusher in both seasons.

This is also a crucial year for Sanders, who is playing through a contract year with the Eagles. He'll be an unrestricted free agent once the season is over. It makes sense from a football and business standpoint to re-sign a 25-year-old running back to a three or four-year contract. The majority of pro running backs don't start to break down until they reach age 30. 

Sanders' 2022 season shouldn't be mistaken as another example of the contract-year phenomenon. Yes, the Eagles could find a cheaper option in free agency, but he would need to learn the playbook and wouldn't know the team as well as Sanders does. Since joining the Eagles, Sanders has become a great team player and locker room guy. Another thing going for Sanders when it comes to receiving a long-term deal is that he's missed only nine games in four years with the Eagles. He's durable and hasn't rushed for fewer than 750 yards over his four-year career.

Regardless of whether Sanders and the Eagles can work out a deal, one thing is certain: If the Eagles want to win, they should give him the ball.