Former Patriots S James Sanders Reportedly Scheduled To Visit Chiefs

by Joel Thorman on Aug 30, 2011 3:53 PM CDT

The New England Patriots somewhat surprisingly released S James Sanders earlier this week in their first round of cuts and it wasn't long before he was set to visit a city run by a man with a New England connection -- GM Thomas Dimitroff and the Atlanta Falcons.

Sanders is visiting the Falcons today and if the two sides can't work a deal out, he is scheduled to visit the Kansas City Chiefs, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Some people thought the Chiefs may take a look at him considering GM Scott Pioli's familiarity with him. It's interesting to note that he's visiting the two teams run by guys who used to be in New England. That should tell you how those close to him regard him.

The Chiefs are seemingly set at safety but Sanders seems like one of those guys that the Chiefs talk about -- loves football, tough, hard-worker, etc. Here's what Bill Belichick said about Sanders when the Pats released him earlier this week:

"Tough release there with James Sanders,'' Belichick said. "James has been a good guy to have on this team. A hard-working kid. He really has developed from the time he came to us as a draft choice from Fresno [State] and 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.''

We'll see what happens but he would be an interesting signing that would disrupt the flow of what we thought the Chiefs safeties would be.

Sanders was the Patriots fourth round pick in the 2005 draft. He is 27 years old (and has the same birthday as me, Nov. 11).

(H/T stagdsp)

Tweet Comment 110 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

The Chiefs are seemingly set at safety…

Maybe the starters are set, but that’s about it.

"Hater" is a term used by weak-minded people in the face of legitimate criticism.

by JComp11 on Aug 30, 2011 3:58 PM CDT reply actions

well said

by mushin on Aug 30, 2011 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Exactly.

I think if he is an upgrade over the 3rd and 4th safeties, sign him up.

The views expressed by craig in calgary do not necessarily represent the views of all Canadians.

by saskwatch on Aug 30, 2011 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions

If he’s an upgrade over Lewis, sign him up.

by odendin on Aug 30, 2011 5:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Good point

Arrowhead Pride
SBNation.com/NFL

by Joel Thorman on Aug 30, 2011 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

He's an upgrade over McGraw IMO

by golfbard on Aug 30, 2011 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

And Sabby

Check out my blog on software development:
http://www.turnleafdesign.com/

by Scaryclouds on Aug 30, 2011 4:04 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I don’t really consider him part of the team.

"Hater" is a term used by weak-minded people in the face of legitimate criticism.

by JComp11 on Aug 30, 2011 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

Be carefully, Sabby might come after you, though he will likely take a terrible angle and dive about 5 yards away from where you’re standing.

by Topchief1 on Aug 30, 2011 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs

Gotta green that...

PICTURE ME SLAPPING THE TOUGHEST GUY YOU KNOW!!!

KCCHIEFSFAN72!!!!

by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 30, 2011 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions

More like Saddy....

Bleed Chiefs

by tomahawk44 on Aug 30, 2011 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Alright.. that was dumb.

Bleed Chiefs

by tomahawk44 on Aug 30, 2011 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions

I like the name Shabby

but the player sucks either way

by stagdsp on Aug 30, 2011 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Well...

he is definitely not football Savvy

PICTURE ME SLAPPING THE TOUGHEST GUY YOU KNOW!!!

KCCHIEFSFAN72!!!!

by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 30, 2011 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Haha.

It’s much more humorous that you acknowledged it.

by The_Bernard_Pollard_Rule on Aug 30, 2011 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't even count him

I think he’s gone in the next round of cuts unless KC is really that thin at safety

by golfbard on Aug 30, 2011 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions

I would like him more if he had more talent.

He’s definitely got the right demeanor and work ethic for the part. Just lacking in the skill department.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Aug 30, 2011 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions

He takes angles like Mike Brown.

I was excited to get a tall man in the backfield, but jersey shore has no game.

by The_Bernard_Pollard_Rule on Aug 30, 2011 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions

SA-bby Pi-sca-TELL-i

Gotta say it like an italian pasta dish.

by u2nspenserfan on Aug 30, 2011 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions

After a big hit

The other teams guy would be sleepin with the fishes!

You Play to Win the game!!!

by Wichita Chief on Aug 30, 2011 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I wonder if Garozzos is hiring

Providing COLOR commentary for Arrowhead Pride! AKA The Picture Diva!

by LadyChief on Aug 30, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Hurry, someone hex the Falcons brass NOW!

by Coady on Aug 30, 2011 3:59 PM CDT reply actions

Just tweet Sanders:

“Sure, go play down there in that dome. You’ll be glad you did down the road when you see that the field cut two seasons and about $5 million from your career”

Predictions:
KC will be a Superbowl favorite in 2012

by jmcgoblue on Aug 30, 2011 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions

but I guess that's more than 140 characters

Predictions:
KC will be a Superbowl favorite in 2012

by jmcgoblue on Aug 30, 2011 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions

So, he will make a visit?

Providing COLOR commentary for Arrowhead Pride! AKA The Picture Diva!

by LadyChief on Aug 30, 2011 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions

I hope

Providing COLOR commentary for Arrowhead Pride! AKA The Picture Diva!

by LadyChief on Aug 30, 2011 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Sounds like he is high on Grass

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2011 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions

+grass pad

Providing COLOR commentary for Arrowhead Pride! AKA The Picture Diva!

by LadyChief on Aug 30, 2011 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Ha ot I'm using my moms iPad

It’s so cool

Me and Matt Cassel just - you up, dog!

by ChiefWarPaint on Aug 30, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions

cooooooooooolll!!!!!!!!!!!!

Providing COLOR commentary for Arrowhead Pride! AKA The Picture Diva!

by LadyChief on Aug 30, 2011 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Ha double OT

I mentioned my wife and I had sex while she was pregnant with him!

He friecked :)

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2011 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions

The only reason I can see them having interest in Sanders is to replace McGraw

McGraw has 5 inches in height, but is also 5 years older. I see it as a wash.

by Dagda on Aug 30, 2011 3:59 PM CDT reply actions

you mean slow draw McGraw

seriously, we have debt problems behind Lewis and Berry

by Bigcherokeechief on Aug 30, 2011 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions

But there's no reason to expect Sanders is any better

by Dagda on Aug 30, 2011 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions

The extra five inches in height is very beneficial for stacking cans on the top shelves of the soup aisle.

The views expressed by craig in calgary do not necessarily represent the views of all Canadians.

by saskwatch on Aug 30, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

how nice, he's coming for a visit!

someone set out the milk and cookies …

my (late) Uncle was born on Nov 11 … in fact, 11/11/1918 … the day WW I ended

Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Aug 30, 2011 4:00 PM CDT reply actions

pretty cool

BOOM!

by 808NaNz808 on Aug 30, 2011 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions

November 10th.......USMC Birthday.

by jcox31mc on Aug 30, 2011 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions

November 10th is best known

for my mother popping me out.

Chiefs
Royals
Blues
Tigers

by devself1 on Aug 30, 2011 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions

My dad's birthday was November 10th too. He was a Marine Pilot in the Pacific in WWII.

by jcox31mc on Aug 30, 2011 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I dont' even know the man

But I like him!

Chiefs
Royals
Blues
Tigers

by devself1 on Aug 30, 2011 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions

My mom's b-day is Nov 10th...

but she wasn’t in any war (except for the family).

I heard Fonzie wants to direct and Barberello, the mechanical bull movie, I haven't seen it...

by HughSchloobie on Aug 30, 2011 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm late to the birthday party, but...

My dad’s birthday was also November 10. He was a B-17 pilot. He dropped some of the last bombs on Germany at the end of the war. Then, on November 10, 1954, he & mom had me. He used to say that although he helped end one war, he felt sorta bad about unleashing me on the world. He’s also the reason I’m a Chiefs fan. Thanks, Dad.

Just keep on matriculatin' that ball down the field, boys.

by trlwyr on Aug 31, 2011 5:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Was his name Benjamin Button?

Did he die during hurricane Katrina?

Check out my blog on software development:
http://www.turnleafdesign.com/

by Scaryclouds on Aug 30, 2011 4:07 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

THAT was one kickass flick

by upamtn on Aug 30, 2011 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions

My father and brother both 9-11 birthdays.

Big Gulps EH????? All right.....Welp....See Ya Later!

by XtaC69Chief on Aug 30, 2011 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions

I hope he lands here.

He could create superior depth for our secondary.

BOOM!

by 808NaNz808 on Aug 30, 2011 4:02 PM CDT reply actions

Still having nightmares of what happened when Lewis was out last year.

"Hater" is a term used by weak-minded people in the face of legitimate criticism.

by JComp11 on Aug 30, 2011 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions

agreed

by stagdsp on Aug 30, 2011 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Only "if" ATL doesn't snatch him up

hopefully not, we need him bad

2011 hopefuls: Being competitive and whooping the holy poop out of the AFC West.

by shotty on Aug 30, 2011 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions

They have a little over 1 mill to spare under the cap

we could triple that if we have to

BOOM!

by 808NaNz808 on Aug 30, 2011 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions

not saying we will, but money is definitely on our side here

BOOM!

by 808NaNz808 on Aug 30, 2011 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I don't see Sanders signing until he sees what the Don has to offer.

Bleed Chiefs

by tomahawk44 on Aug 30, 2011 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions

If he does get a contract however

that means ATL will have to cut someone who would have otherwise made the team, so there’s that to consider too

BOOM!

by 808NaNz808 on Aug 30, 2011 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Pioli did say

he was committed to spending the 99% and he hasn’t done it yet. Excellent thought Nanz.

2011 hopefuls: Being competitive and whooping the holy poop out of the AFC West.

by shotty on Aug 30, 2011 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions

finally...

I know when your B Day is! that is such a relief.

Superbowls in 2011 & 2012..I'm totally Cereal ! Chiefs win in 2012.

by 25 in Charge on Aug 30, 2011 4:03 PM CDT reply actions

An end to all the sleepless nights.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Aug 30, 2011 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions

ANOTHER EX PATRIOT GO FIGURE

by Craig HT on Aug 30, 2011 4:11 PM CDT reply actions

lovin me some patriot droppings

yum

by worc on Aug 30, 2011 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Why can't we get

Randy Moss!!

Chiefs
Royals
Blues
Tigers

by devself1 on Aug 30, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Ask Nick Athan who claims the Chiefs have a 1 year, $3 million deal on the table that they're waiting for him to take

but of course he doesn’t think he’ll come to KC and is just saying this to drive traffic.

by golfbard on Aug 30, 2011 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Hm, the Pats and Falcons have any other deals going lately?

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Aug 30, 2011 4:11 PM CDT reply actions

And he was better than that slug of a tackle we got from Miami

Predictions:
KC will be a Superbowl favorite in 2012

by jmcgoblue on Aug 30, 2011 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Looks

at O’Callahan…

Looks at BRich….

Wishes that O’Callahan wasn’t on IR.

This space for rent.

by Druful on Aug 30, 2011 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions

What could the Falcons offer Sanders?

Their starting Safeties are William Moore and Thomas DeCoud…..I have never heard of them either. Their primary second string Safeties are an undrafted FA and a 6th rd pick last season.
They could offer this Sanders some serious playing time and potential starting spot.

I do not see him starting for us with Berry and Lewis in the mix. Although I could see him playing a lot being that he would automatically be 2nd stringer.

Does he want less money with Falcons and more playing time….
or
More potential money with us and less playing time….

"Nobody scares us," Dion Gales said. "Where I’m from, it ain’t how big or small a man is, it’s the size of the fight in them.

"I’ll be doggone if I let another man beat me, that’s just my attitude. I’m not scared of another man."

by Matt_Grbac on Aug 30, 2011 4:35 PM CDT reply actions

The Falcon's starters are both pretty good

I think he would be in roughly the exact same situation on both teams.

Just because you disagree with someone/something, or they disagree with you, doesn't mean that person/act is ignorant. Please don't be ignorant of how to properly use the word ignorant!

by ChiefsFan4Life634 on Aug 30, 2011 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions

They are no Berry and Lewis

"Nobody scares us," Dion Gales said. "Where I’m from, it ain’t how big or small a man is, it’s the size of the fight in them.

"I’ll be doggone if I let another man beat me, that’s just my attitude. I’m not scared of another man."

by Matt_Grbac on Aug 30, 2011 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Not saying they are on that level

But Moore already is pretty good and still developing and DeCoud isn’t bad either. I’m not saying they are as good as the Chiefs safeties, but Sanders wouldn’t necessarily be playing for a starting spot in Atlanta either.

Just because you disagree with someone/something, or they disagree with you, doesn't mean that person/act is ignorant. Please don't be ignorant of how to properly use the word ignorant!

by ChiefsFan4Life634 on Aug 30, 2011 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd be willing to bet he would be even less likely to start there.

I live in Memphis now and have seen 2 Falcons preseason games and the announcers have talked repeatedly about how much they like their safeties. Obviously Berry is a step ahead of either, but I think Lewis would be pushed a lot by Sanders.

by u2nspenserfan on Aug 30, 2011 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions

and the chance for a ring in ATL

by kc571 on Aug 30, 2011 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions

We can give him that

CHIEFS DYNASTY – we’re kind of a big deal

by kabrink on Aug 30, 2011 6:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Did

you watch the NFC playoffs?

This space for rent.

by Druful on Aug 30, 2011 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions

The falcons safeties are pretty good even if you've never heard of them

Decoud especially

Me and Matt Cassel just - you up, dog!

by ChiefWarPaint on Aug 30, 2011 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions

William Moore is a very good safety

Watched him throughout college and so far in the pros.

SEC no longer stands for Southeastern Conference. It now stands for Several Entertaining Chiefs.
I'm not saying, I'm just sayin.

by Backtozack on Aug 30, 2011 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions

But Joel play safety?

(and has the same birthday as me, Nov. 11).

You Play to Win the game!!!

by Wichita Chief on Aug 30, 2011 4:41 PM CDT reply actions

But (Can) Joel play safety

fricken’ fingers

You Play to Win the game!!!

by Wichita Chief on Aug 30, 2011 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions

So what if a better younger Safety gets cut Saturday?

Maybe we should wait and see what falls out of the sky then

864 players will be available come saturday night

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2011 4:45 PM CDT reply actions

Is age that big of an issue?

He is only 27

Just because you disagree with someone/something, or they disagree with you, doesn't mean that person/act is ignorant. Please don't be ignorant of how to properly use the word ignorant!

by ChiefsFan4Life634 on Aug 30, 2011 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions

864 possibilities and maybe Saunders is 865?

No need to rush right now on any player, till Saturday Night that is

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2011 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not saying they should sign him now either

Just that age wouldn’t be the reason they would wait

Just because you disagree with someone/something, or they disagree with you, doesn't mean that person/act is ignorant. Please don't be ignorant of how to properly use the word ignorant!

by ChiefsFan4Life634 on Aug 30, 2011 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Wonder

If him or even Lewis can play DB in a nickel formation. Just in case Arenas and Brown aren’t cutting it

by KCinIL on Aug 30, 2011 4:56 PM CDT reply actions

ok, I'm sorry gang but this whole "omg he's from the Patriots" drooling thing is just a hoot ...

I swear upon the name of Lamar Hunt … some of ya would eat Hoodie turds and call it chocolate

by upamtn on Aug 30, 2011 5:07 PM CDT reply actions

Blasphemer!

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Aug 30, 2011 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Or maybe it's cuz he's a pretty good player

by KCinIL on Aug 30, 2011 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd only eat his turds if they were actually dipped in chocolate ups!

Predictions:
KC will be a Superbowl favorite in 2012

by jmcgoblue on Aug 30, 2011 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Dipped in Gold

would be the correct answer :)

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 30, 2011 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Let's try him as a WR

Since they are interchangible

by JaySoy on Aug 30, 2011 5:12 PM CDT reply actions

Bye bye Mr. McGraw!

by KCinIL on Aug 30, 2011 5:20 PM CDT reply actions

I think Piscitelli would be gone long before McGraw

by bh13 on Aug 30, 2011 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Ha

I forgot he was on the team. I meant more of sanders taking mcgraws field time(if McGraw even makes the cut)

by KCinIL on Aug 30, 2011 6:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

replace McGraw

If I have to watch him getting beat by a TE again, I am going to have a seizure. Argh! Nightmares of Todd Heap last year.

by Nicoloco on Aug 30, 2011 5:33 PM CDT reply actions

I would love if we got James!

One of my favorite players to come through Fresno St., always made me kinda root for the Pats. He would be great depth and a good player in different packages.

by Artimus Clyde on Aug 30, 2011 5:40 PM CDT reply actions

Looks like we share the same birthday

I was also born on November 11!

by BIGGESTCHIEFSFAN on Aug 30, 2011 6:06 PM CDT reply actions

Patriots backups > Our backups.

by Vince D on Aug 30, 2011 6:16 PM CDT reply actions

Off topic.

Am watching Total Access and they said Shockey saved a teammate from choking today. The first guy tried and failed then Shockey stepped in and and got it out of there.

"We couldn't beat the Chiefs, but we damn near killed their horse"
John Madden 1975 Chiefs-42 Raiders-10

by Chiefs_40 on Aug 30, 2011 6:51 PM CDT reply actions

Well

Shockey does know a thing or two about choking

This space for rent.

by Druful on Aug 30, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

Has he...

…ever picked off Matt C? If he has, – 1 int might be a nice move! :)

WAR Kansas City Chiefs KINGDOM!!!

by Jason Drue Keith on Aug 30, 2011 6:57 PM CDT reply actions

What about picking up

Andre Gurode?

by jcru on Aug 30, 2011 7:06 PM CDT reply actions

Is he...

heavy? :)

WAR Kansas City Chiefs KINGDOM!!!

by Jason Drue Keith on Aug 30, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Good question

Wouldn’t want to throw your back out

Just because you disagree with someone/something, or they disagree with you, doesn't mean that person/act is ignorant. Please don't be ignorant of how to properly use the word ignorant!

by ChiefsFan4Life634 on Aug 30, 2011 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions