Patriots Re-sign James Sanders

The Patriots have re-signed starting safety James Sanders to a three year contract, Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe reports:

The Patriots have agreed to terms with safety James Sanders on a three-year contract.

Sanders, 25, turned down more money elsewhere to return to the Patriots.

Sanders’ agent, Steve Feldman, confirmed the agreement.

“It gives him a chance to grow and become a playmaker,” Feldman said. “He stays in the same system with a championship team. They know him. He knows them. It was the right fit.”

In my opinion, this is a very solid move.  I believe that Sanders is very underrated by Patriots fans.  While he may not be the best in coverage, and can sometimes let up big plays by taking bad angles, overall, he is a very solid starter.  He is a solid tackler in the open field, is a very smart football player, leads by example, and is just fast enough to stick with receivers and quick tight ends.  He is a very good team player, and clearly wants to win, symbolized by the fact that he turned down more money to stick with the Patriots.  Sanders is only 25, and will be 28 at the end of this deal (meaning he can still improve his game and receive a big contract in three years).

However, the Patriots still do need to pick up another safety or two.  Whether it means re-signing Rodney Harrison or Tank Williams, or drafting a true strong safety like Nic Harris.  However, the Patriots clearly have two very good starters at safety in Brandon Meriweather and James Sanders.

Photo Courtesy New York Times