The San Francisco 49ers have been deftly working around the salary cap ever since it was instituted, but team president Carmen Policy says getting Deion Sanders would be a real squeeze.
"At this point in time, we're $42,000 under the cap, so I don't feel we're positioned to make an offer at this time," Policy said Friday night after sharing a Candlestick Park luxury suite with the Cincinnati Reds outfielder and football free agent."But one thing I've learned about the cap is you never close the door. In dealing with a talent of his magnitude, you have to at least keep it ajar."
Idled by the baseball strike, Sanders watched the 49ers beat the Denver Broncos 20-3 on Friday night while visiting with Policy and player personnel coordinator Dwight Clark. Sanders has told the 49ers he'd be interested in playing for them.
In an interview with the Fox network during halftime, Sanders said his main object is joining a team that has a chance to win a title even if it means taking less money.
"I feel like a few teams, especially the San Francisco 49ers, are in position to win the Super Bowl," he said.
"I want to win. Money or no money, I want to win. I want to win it all."
Negotiations with Sanders have been informal, with no definite discussion of terms, Policy said.
In the game's waning minutes, Sanders went down to the 49ers' sideline, where he greeted quarterback Steve Young, running back Dexter Carter and fullback William Floyd.
Young said he wouldn't be surprised if Policy found a way to maneuver under the cap to get Sanders, a cornerback and kick returner who became a free agent after the Atlanta Falcons gave up their rights to him.
"I hope he can work it out," Young said. "He's Carmen the Magician."
San Francisco coach George Seifert, who spent the offseason remodeling his defense, openly admires Sanders' pass coverage skills.
"Anytime there's a player of his ability, you have to investigate the situation, and we will continue to do so," Seifert said.
Broncos quarterback John Elway said the addition of Sanders would make the 49ers into a formidable team.
"He'd really help them if they can get him," he said. "But if they do, they're going to have to let go about six guys."
Sanders has said he might return to football before the baseball season ends if the players' strike begins to drag out.
His agent, Eugene Parker, said Friday that no team has made a formal contract offer, but Miami, Dallas, Philadelphia and Kansas City also have expressed interest.
Falcons vice president Ken Herrock spoke with Parker on Friday. Sanders hasn't completely ruled out a return to Atlanta.