NFL Rumors: Bob Sanders and the 7 Most Likely Places He Could Land

When Bob Sanders was released by the Colts earlier today, rumors immediately began about where the 2007 NFL defensive player of the year would land.

Sanders has had nothing but injury problems since he received the award in 2007. He has played in only nine games since that time.

It seems pretty clear that Sanders is not ever going to be the player he once was, but he still can help make an impact on any team with his experience and role as a backup.

Here are seven likely places that Sanders could end up in the 2011 season.

7: Dallas Cowboys

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 26: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, left, watches warm ups prior to a game against the Houston Texans with this sons Stephen, center, and Jerry Jr. at Reliant Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Get

It's no secret that Jerry Jones is willing to spend whatever it takes to win games.

Luckily for him, that price probably won't be too high on Bob Sanders because of all the injuries.

The Cowboys finished 26th in the NFL in passing defense last season.

Although Sanders likely wouldn't start on the Cowboys roster, he would provide a solid backup and experience at the position.

If Jerry Jones feels it could help his team, then he has no problem pulling the trigger.

6: Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Head Coach Andy Reid (R) of the Philadelphia Eagles stands on the sidelines with Antonio Dixon #90 during their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvani

There is no question that the Eagles had a lot of problems in the secondary last season.

There is a lot of speculation that the team could also let starting strong safety Quintin Mikell walk during the offseason.

If this is the case, the Eagles would be starting two safeties who would be in only their second years in the league.

Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman could use a veteran backup to help teach them. Plus, in the case of an injury, Bob Sanders could still step in.

5: Pittsburgh Steelers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 and head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on during the National Anthem during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

Sanders is from Erie Pennsylvania, which is roughly a two hour drive from Pittsburgh.

It would be a trip back to where he grew up in western Pennsylvania, to play behind Troy Polamalu.

Polamalu has had two straight years now where he has sustained an injury late in the season. Having Bob Sanders to step in during a short recovery may be something the Steelers want to consider.

It would be a good setting with a championship quality team for Sanders to finish out his career. Not to mention his personality on the field fits the team.

4: New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Head coach Rex Ryan of the New York Jets reacts during their 2011 AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Think about the Jets defense right now. Most of the guys on the team are older. Players who many thought were washed up and done in the league.

Isn't that what many people are saying about Bob Sanders right now?

For the right price, Sanders could fit in well in New York. It may not be a move that the Jets need to make, but could it really hurt them?

Sanders could provide the ability to work with certain packages. If there is any defensive minded coach that could figure something out, it's Rex Ryan.

3: Tennessee Titans

It's been rumored that the Titans are hoping to improve at safety.

Bob Sanders may not be that improvement, but they could at least bring him in to compete against Chris Hope for the spot.

The ability to keep Sanders in the AFC South may prove beneficial as well. Who would know the Colts defense, and even offense better than Sanders.

2: Houston Texans

When you have the worst secondary in the NFL almost every year, you have to make this list.

Bob Sanders may not be the player he was a few years ago, but I think most Texans fans would still take the risk. It's hard to get much worse than 32nd.

The addition would give Wade Phillips a little bit to work with in the secondary. Bernard Pollard and Eugene Wilson just aren't going to cut it.

Again, like the Titans, keeping Sanders in division could also prove to be helpful.

1: Minnesota Vikings

Before Leslie Frasier joined the Vikings organization, he was a defensive backs coach in Indianapolis.

If there is anybody out there who knows what Sanders is capable of at the top of his game, it's Leslie Frasier.

The Vikings aren't in desperate need of a safety, but Husain Abdullah and Madieu Williams are not set as guaranteed starters.

The team did finished 10th against the pass last year.

Sanders would get to play for a coach he played under when he was at the top of his game, and have the opportunity to fight for a starting spot.

At this point no other team seems to fit better than the Vikings.