Time to Discuss Sanders’ Future?

In 2007 the Colts signed Bob Sanders to a 5 year $37.5 million contract extension, instantly making him the highest paid safety in the National Football League. After Sanders outstanding performance in the playoff run leading to the Colts Super Bowl XLI victory, the contract appeared to be money well spent. Along with the extension of Sanders, the Colts were also able to extend the contract of defensive end Dwight Freeney. With these two players locked into new deals, it appeared that they had laid the foundation of their defense for years to come. 

With the Colts now paying Sanders as an elite player, expectations surrounding him were at an all-time high. However, this past season he was only able to participate in 6 games, only adding fuel to the fire regarding durability. In 5 seasons Sanders has played in 45 out of a possible 80 games, thus playing in only 56 percent of his games. Although Sanders was a key factor in the Colts Super Bowl run, I believe many Colts fans are more in love with the idea of Bob Sanders opposed to his actual play and production on the field. 

When healthy, Sanders is one of the most dynamic players in the league and can single-handedly change a game at any point in time. However, he has never played in all 16 games of a regular season, and on average only plays 9 games a year. As phenomenal as Sanders can be, his average salary of around $7.5 million a year asks for much more than only playing in 9 games a year. 

Although Sanders is a fan favorite and has been a crucial cog in the Colts’ defense in the past, I feel most fans give him a free pass for what he did on the Colts Super Bowl run. In terms of production Sanders has not lived up to his current contract, and barring some miracle, it appears that Sanders will continue to struggle with injuries. However, as long as he continues to perform in the clutch, and if the Colts continue to be in strong contention for the Super Bowl, then the Colts will continue to pay Sanders for the next few years. 

This season will mark the second year of Sanders’ five year extension, and with four seasons left on the Colts I find it very hard to believe that, at his current pace, he will see the final years of his contract with the Indianapolis Colts. Unless he can improve his durability or restructures his current contract, the Colts will inevitably suffer in the long run. Although I am suggesting that it is in the best interest in the Colts to take a look at Sanders and his contract, I am not suggesting that they release him. However, if he was to be released it would not be until the last year or two of his contract, because of the cap hit that the Colts would have to take.

The NFL is a business and just because Sanders is a fan favorite does not mean he is worth $37.5 million, Bill Polian and Jim Irsay must evaluate whether or not Sanders is worth his contract. Ultimately the production must match the contract, and from what we have seen thus far Sanders has failed to live up to his end of the bargain.