Falcons Work Out Sanders

The Atlanta Falcons spent part of their Tuesday afternoon working out former New England Patriots safety James Sanders. Sanders was recently let go by the Pats and the Falcons are in need of safety help, is it a perfect match?

Sanders, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2005 when Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff was with the team, plays strong safety. He can also play free safety.

“Tough release there with James Sanders,’’ New England coach Bill Belichick told the Boston Globe. “He’s been a really solid team player for us, but we just, part of the move, needed to release people. But he was a tough one.’’

In six seasons with the Patriots, Sanders registered 301 tackles and eight interceptions in 84 regular-season games including 50 starts. He was slated to make $2.8 million with New England.

The Falcons don’t have much experienced depth behind starting safeties William Moore and Thomas DeCoud. On the depth chart released for the final exhibition game, Rafael Bush, Rafael Priest and Matt Hansen are listed as the backup strong safeties behind Moore. Shann Schillinger and Suaesi Tuimaunei are listed as the backup free safeties behind DeCoud. (Chris Vivlamore – Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Sounds like it to me, what about you?

Sanders was a solid contributor to the Patriots the past six seasons and it looks like he was just a victim of the numbers game. The money numbers game that is. Which is unfortunate for him as 2010-2011 was on of the best seasons of his career.

In 2010-11 he had 59 tackles, three interceptions, six passes deflected, a sack and a defensive touchdown. On top of that he’s been a solid special teams player.

For the Falcons, a team who ranked 22nd in pass defense last year, Sanders would be a huge addition. The safety position is definitely one of need as there isn’t much experienced depth behind the starters, shit even the starters don’t have much. For a team with championship aspirations experience is a crucial thing.

If the Falcons are planning on signing Sanders they need to hurry as another team is interested. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted tonight that if the Falcons don’t sign him today he’ll go work out for the Kansas City Chiefs.

@AdamSchefter: Former Patriots S James Sanders is visiting Falcons today. If no deal gets worked out with Atlanta, he is scheduled to visit Chiefs.

Notice the former Patriots connections? Falcons GM Dimitroff drafted him and Chiefs GM Scott Pioli was the teams Vice President of Player Personnel while he was with them. I guess it’s stay with what you know.

Like what you read? Then follow us on TWITTER for more updates

Tags: Atlanta Falcons, James Sanders, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, NFL