The Lions Should Pursue Sanders

   Three years after being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Bob Sanders was cut by the Colts on Friday. Not really a surprise considering he’s only played 9 games over the past 3 seasons. Yes, he’s one of the best safeties in the league, but his injury problems have become a major concern.  So, now that he’s available, 31 other NFL teams must make a decision. Is he worth the risk?

   Bob Sanders in his prime was one of the most feared defensive players in the league and deservedly so. I mean, just look at the guy. He’s built like a linebacker! His devastating hits and playmaking ability combined with his freakish intensity earned him Pro Bowl honors in 2005, in just his second season. But, other than 05’ and 07’, Sanders hasn’t played more than 6 games in a season. With that being said, Sanders could help another team considerably if he stays healthy. Will teams be lining up for his services or will he have trouble finding a new home?

   So, should the Lions make an offer to Sanders? Absolutely! Let me tell you why. Yes, Sanders has been injury prone, but he hasn’t been dealing with the same injuries over and over. In 2006, it was a knee injury that kept him out of 12 games.  In 2008, it was a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss 7 weeks and a lingering knee injury caused to miss the last 2 games of the season.  In 2009, Sanders played the first two games of the season before being put on the IR for an elbow injury. Last year he missed the entire season due to a torn bicep. I could see how it would be very concerning if he kept having the same injury, but it just hasn’t been the case. He’s about to turn 30 in next week, but his body hasn’t taken much punishment over the past two years. He’s had 2 years for the knee to heal and I consider the elbow and bicep injuries to be freak injuries. I have no doubt that Bob Sanders will be back crushing opponents in 2011, if there’s an NFL season.

   The Lions recently signed Safety Erik Coleman from Atlanta to add depth and experience to the defensive backfield, so taking a chance on Sanders would be worth a shot. If it worked out, imagine how scary it would be for opposing offenses having Sanders and Delmas patrolling the secondary. Just look how good Pittsburgh and Baltimore’s defenses are with Troy Polomalu and Ed Reed. With all the improvements the Lions have made at D-Line, bringing in a guy like Sanders could turn a much improving defense into a great one. It might be a long shot for the Lions to actually get Sanders, but the sooner they try the better. They need to move now…it’s time for Detroit to make the next step.