A little while ago, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted that the Colts have released veteran safety Bob Sanders.
We have released Bob Sanders today. We thank Bob 4 all his incredible contributions from his Sup Bowl pic 2 def player of year honors.
The Colts and Bob Sanders were trying to work on a new deal before the roll over of the new league calender. Sanders singed a $37.5 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007. Sanders was due $5.5 million in 2011 with a $500,000 workout bonus and $7 million in 2012, he'd already collected $25 million of the deal he signed in 2007. Sanders is a free agent and not subject to waivers. He can sign with any team immediately and Sanders does intend to continue trying to play in the NFL.
In the last three seasons, Bob Sanders has played in just 9 games. In his career with the Colts, he's played a complete season just once, in 2007. For his career Sanders has played in only 48 of 112 possible games. No one will deny however, that when Bob Sanders was on the football field, he was arguably one of the best safeties in the NFL.
Maybe I'm just remembering Bob Sanders too fondly in college, when he powerslammed then Penn State running back Larry Johnson, but I think someone like Bob Sanders is worth taking a shot on with the Jacksonville Jaguars. I can't imagine a player who's career has been riddled with so many injuries commanding much money. The Jaguars definitely need an injection in the back 7, and Sanders can provide that if he's healthy.
Should the Jaguars take a shot with Sanders with a short term contract? One would assume if Sanders signs anywhere, it won't be for big dollars. Because Bob Sanders is a vested veteran, his salary is guaranteed once the regular season starts. So, in essence you could attempt to sign him to a short-deal and test the waters in training camp and the pre-season and release him before the season starts without any real loss.
I can't imagine a team offering Bob Sanders, realistically, that much more than the veteran minimum and laden with playing time incentives.
....with a new CBA of course.