Deion

Sanders

Jones characterized his January discussions with Sanders — who played for Dallas from 1995 to 1999 — as a mere chat between old friends. “Just a conversation about the team, and about where he is, and his boys, conversation with his boys, that type of conversation,” Jones said. “I’ve said I’ve talked to a lot of coaches, and Deion has a job.” Jones would have had to buy out the remaining years on Sanders’ contract with the University of Colorado and make him a highly-paid NFL head coach if he were to have pursued Sanders after Mike McCarthy’s departure. The Cowboys settled on Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach — his first head coaching gig after 14 years of serving as offensive coordinator for four teams.

It seems like the only thing stopping this potential coaching marriage is that it’s too obvious. Sanders’ Boulder experiment is probably already post-peak, while the Cowboys frankly should try a higher-upside flier than Jason Garrett or Mike McCarthy. They haven’t had a truly “high key” coach since Bill Parcells, though Wade Phillips was at least a big personality. It could be an absolute fiasco, or perhaps Sanders has the exact right personality to take on such an imposing, usually thankless job. We, for one, hope the Cowboys embrace the chaos.

Schultz notes that the two sides have talked and are expected to continue discussions regarding the team’s head coaching vacancy following the parting of ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy. Sanders previously expressed interest in joining the head coaching ranks in the NFL after signaling interest in the Raiders’ vacancy. Coach Prime turned around the Colorado football program in two short seasons after serving in the same position for Jackson State.

Sanders, whose best players are moving on from the Buffs to the NFL, has been loosely connected to the Silver and Black, but they understandably are searching for a more proven option at this latest critical franchise juncture. Neon Deion could eventually get an NFL opportunity, but he’s probably a little too risky for most teams’ blood right now.

Bonsignore cites sources saying the Colorado football coach has his eyes on the Raiders job and that NFL-connected associates of Sanders have reached out to team to express interest. As of now, an interview with the 57-year-old former defensive back isn’t on the books. It’s unclear whether Sanders’ interest in the Raiders will be reciprocated. His son, Shedeur Sanders, is one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft, though the Raiders are set to pick sixth overall and thus aren’t well positioned to acquire Shedeur without trading up.

The Ravens now admit they are interested in signing Sanders if he decided to come back. He’d replace Corey Fuller as the Ravens nickel back on passing downs.

It’s uncertain whether he’ll play in the preseason finale. It’s believed that the Ravens want Sanders ready to contribute by Week 2.

Sanders will reportedly receive a contract near the veteran’s minimum - less money than he turned down from CBS Today. Prime Time should be ready for Baltimore’s season opener.

“I feel like I’m 33, because my body’s really been resting up since 2000,” Sanders said. “I’m fast and I’m quick. It’s going to be unbelievable.” It sounds like Deion will make it official by mid-week.

He practiced last week despite his injured hamstring, so we expect Deion to return soon.