Patriots cut veteran safety James Sanders

For the second time this preseason the Patriots cut an old guard veteran at a position where their depth was already questionable. Both Sanders and Ty Warren had their injury issues this preseason, but where Warren no longer seemed a schematic fit, Sanders was credited just last week by Patrick Chung as being a calm, veteran presence who knew all the right calls and adjustments.

Hard to speculate why the Pats would drop him. Clearly letting him go early was to give him a chance to catch on elsewhere. But this now shines even more of a spotlight on Brandon Meriweather.

Could this open a door for James Ihedigbo? He didn’t exactly look like an All Pro against the Lions, missing a couple tackles while losing contain. And this move has to be at least a minor vote of confidence for Sergio Brown.

More than anything I think the signs are pointing to a safety acquisition in the next week, and given the cap considerations of Sanders’ contract it could be a significant player with a significant contract.

Stay tuned as always, there are sure to be lots more changes over the next 8 days. Meanwhile, thanks for the memories James Sanders, none bigger than last year’s game sealing interception of Peyton Manning.