Recently released safety James Sanders signed a one-year deal to play for the Atlanta Falcons Tuesday night, Adam Schefter reported, with Falcons radio announcer Dave Archer confirming. Flowery Branch was Sanders' first stop after being cut earlier this week. He was scheduled to stop by the Chiefs next -- both the Falcons and Chiefs have ties to New England's front office.
He was once named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in a game he didn't even start. With three interceptions last year, he reached eight for his career. And he has a solid reputation off the field, once taking less money to stay in New England. People like to hear that kind of thing.
Yes, but could he challenge for the nickel spot?
Sanders has only been listed as a safety during his NFL career, even though he's played both strong safety and free safety. He's started 50 games in that span, appearing in 84. At Fresno State, he made his mark as a strong safety. It looks like this is a move to provide a challenge to the team's two starting safeties, along with some versatile veteran depth and a special teams presence.
For more Falcons, head to Falcons blog The Falcoholic. For more New England, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston.