Raiders Bring in Miles Sanders for Workout: What His Visit Reveals About the Team’s Running-Back Plan

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Why the Raiders are auditioning veteran running backs now
4. Miles Sanders’ skill set: what he offers on the field
5. Injury history and the significance of “fully cleared”
6. Contract history and market positioning
7. How Sanders fits into typical roster constructions and playbooks
8. Case studies: similar veteran running-back pickups and outcomes
9. Analytics perspective: what the limited 2025 sample tells us
10. The broader market for veteran running backs
11. Fit with Las Vegas specifically: schematic and personnel considerations
12. Health monitoring and player usage strategies for veterans
13. Potential outcomes and timelines following the workout
14. Real-world comparisons: what other veteran RBs have taught us
15. What the Raiders’ current competition structure implies (without roster names)
16. Scouting takeaways from the workout context
17. Financial and strategic implications for the Raiders’ roster
18. Projecting outcomes for the 2026 season
19. What fans and fantasy managers should watch
20. Organizational fit and leadership value
21. Conclusion (final considerations and implications)
22. FAQ

Key Highlights

• The Las Vegas Raiders hosted veteran running back Miles Sanders for a workout; Sanders is fully cleared from a season-ending knee injury and available after short stints with the Panthers and Cowboys.
• Sanders offers a blend of burst, receiving ability and gap vision that can fill multiple roles—early-down workhorse, change-of-pace runner or third-down pass-catcher—depending on roster construction and contract terms.
• His medical clearance removes a primary barrier to signing; the Raiders’ visit signals interest in experienced, cost-controlled options as they balance depth, competition and veteran leadership in the backfield.

Introduction

A midweek workout can be ordinary or decisive. When the Raiders invited Miles Sanders—a former second-round pick who has flashed as a lead back and a pass-game weapon—to their facility, it became a meaningful moment in their offseason roster work. Sanders arrives with a resume that includes high-end burst, route-running ability and the lingering question of how he will look after a season-ending knee injury. His availability and medical clearance put him squarely in the market for teams that want immediate, low-risk running-back upgrades. The Raiders’ decision to evaluate him signals their thinking: add experienced depth with upside while protecting against injury and inconsistencies that have plagued the position leaguewide.

This article examines Sanders’ profile, his recovery and contract history, how he fits into modern roster construction, and what his audition means for Las Vegas. The analysis draws on Sanders’ recent playing sample, historical patterns for veteran running backs returning from knee injuries, and team-building logic that drives workouts this late in the offseason.

Why the Raiders are auditioning veteran running backs now

Teams bring veteran backs in for workouts for predictable reasons: injuries in camp, thin depth charts, uncertainty about rookies’ readiness, or simply to create competition. The timing of Sanders’ visit suggests Las Vegas is prioritizing immediate reinforcement and experienced options who can contribute on early downs, in passing situations, and on special teams if necessary.

The running back position requires redundancy. NFL seasons are long and contact-heavy; even the best backs miss games. A single reliable veteran can stabilize a committee and cover weeks when a younger back needs time to develop. That value increases when the veteran brings pass-catching chops, pass protection competence and special-teams experience—traits Sanders has demonstrated at times in his career.

Workout visits accomplish more than measuring speed and cuts. Teams evaluate medical status, football instincts, character in locker-room drills, and how a player processes scheme. Coaching staffs already maintain a short list of fits; bringing a name like Sanders in-person fast-tracks decision-making. If he checks the boxes, a deal—often short-term and incentive-laden—can follow quickly.

Miles Sanders’ skill set: what he offers on the field

Sanders profiles as a back with natural timing, lateral quickness and the ability to generate chunk plays. He reads blocks decisively, accelerating through creases with a low center of gravity that helps him make sharp cuts. His strengths break down into three primary areas:

• Explosive ball-carrier ability: Sanders can turn modest gains into big plays because of his burst through the line and ability to hit a second gear in space. That trait suits outside-zone and gap schemes that prioritize one-cut accelerations.
• Receiving and route competence: He has been used as a check-down option and a designed target in passing concepts. While not an all-day receiving specialist, Sanders can contribute as a third-down option and in passing sets, which is crucial for teams that ask backs to stay on the field in two-minute and third-down situations.
• Vision and patience: He identifies cutback lanes and times his accelerations to exploit over-pursuit. This blend of vision and timing often allows him to offset percentage-of-contact limitations that pure power backs enjoy.

Areas that will be scrutinized during a workout include pass protection, durability in short-yardage and goal-line situations, and his ability to sustain effective production over an extended workload. Pass protection, in particular, determines how often a back stays on the field in passing situations. Teams favor backs who can handle assignment recognition and block decisively, especially in offenses that rely on play-action and third-down extensions.

The 2025 sample with Dallas—20 carries for 117 yards (5.9 YPC) and eight receptions for 30 yards across four games—offers a small but encouraging view. High yards-per-carry numbers over a limited sample indicate playmaking flashes but not necessarily sustained three-down reliability. Coaches will weigh the upside against the small sample size and the context of those carries (game flow, quality of run blocking, defensive matchups).

Injury history and the significance of “fully cleared”

Sanders’ recent season-ending knee injury was the central concern for teams contemplating him. The designation that he is “fully cleared” removes a large obstacle, but nuance remains. Teams conduct their own medical examinations, review imaging, and test for functional stability, acceleration and tolerance to contact in drills.

“Fully cleared” indicates that team physicians and Sanders’ medical team believe his knee can withstand the physical demands of football. Functional testing—cutting, sprinting, and exposure to game-like contact—often accompanies this clearance. Teams still verify surgical reports, rehabilitation progress, and long-term risk for re-injury. Age and previous workload factor into those calculations: screening for degenerative trends or compensatory mechanics (where one joint takes stress because another was injured) remains standard.

Successful NFL returns from major knee injuries exist. The most prominent modern example is Adrian Peterson, who returned to MVP form after an ACL tear and subsequent surgery. His case, however, is exceptional. Teams evaluate each player individually, using metrics and comparative benchmarks. Functional drills at a workout give coaches a live view of acceleration, cut sharpness, and knee bend—information that static imaging doesn't provide.

Sanders’ age—29 at the time of the workout—places him in the veteran category for a position known for steep physical declines. Teams balance that reality against the immediate roster need. A one-year, low-guarantee deal mitigates long-term risk while capturing possible short-term upside. For Sanders, a successful medical evaluation at the Raiders could restore bargaining power and open multiple suitors in a market that favors experienced, passable backs nearly every training camp.

Contract history and market positioning

Sanders’ financial track record matters. He completed a four-year rookie contract and then signed a four-year, $25 million deal with the Panthers as his first market test. That contract included $5.5 million and $4.3 million base salaries in the final two years, per the source—numbers that reflect a mid-tier starting back valuation at the time of signing.

The Panthers released Sanders before the deal fully played out. Releases happen for many reasons: scheme fit, offensive line performance, the cap, or shifts to younger, cheaper options. After his release, Sanders signed with the Cowboys, where he appeared in four games in 2025. That short stint functions as a modern “prove-it” sample: the player shows health and effectiveness, while teams gauge continued readiness.

When a team like the Raiders hosts Sanders, they evaluate him as a short-term asset. The likely contract scenarios include:

• One-year veteran minimum with incentives tied to playing time and performance. This structure aligns team risk with reward: low guaranteed money, upside through per-game or per-touch bonuses.
• Short-term deal with roster bonuses or injury protections built in. These clauses protect teams if medical issues return while giving the player a pathway to financial recovery through production.
• Minimal guarantees and incentives for roster retention or practice-squad elevation early in camp.

Teams often prefer these structures for veteran running backs with recent injuries. For Sanders, a successful workout and clean medicals would position him to command more than the veteran minimum but not necessarily a multi-year guarantee. The Thursday-to-Sunday nature of NFL injuries discourages long financial commitments to backs with risk profiles outside an elite tier.

How Sanders fits into typical roster constructions and playbooks

NFL teams build running-back groups around a principal back who receives the majority of carries and one or two complementary players. Those complements fill specialized roles—power in short-yardage, receiving in third-down, or change-of-pace speed. Sanders’ versatility allows multiple roles:

• Lead-down back: If a team lacks a clear bell cow, Sanders has shown the ability to shoulder a heavier workload. His combination of burst and patience suits schemes that ask backs to make one-cut decisions and finish runs.
• Third-down and two-back sets: He can function as a safety valve in passing situations, matching routes and providing catch-and-run production. This usage preserves younger backs for early-down snaps while keeping Sanders on the field in passing downs.
• Mentorship and situational leadership: Coaches value veterans who help younger players through technique, film study, and preparation. Sanders’ experience as a former starter gives him credibility in the locker room and during practice reps.

The Raiders’ offense will dictate the exact role. Offenses that use zone-based concepts favor patient, decisive backs who read blocks; gap-based power schemes reward north-south runners who punish contact. Sanders’ mix of lateral quickness and acceleration allows him to adapt to multiple approaches. His ability to receive expands play-calling options on third downs and in obvious passing situations.

Special teams can be a deciding factor for roster spots. A veteran back willing to play on special-teams units increases his value, particularly late in camp when teams trim to 53 players. Sanders’ willingness and ability to contribute there would improve his odds of making a roster or seeing the field early in the season.

Case studies: similar veteran running-back pickups and outcomes

The NFL offers repeated examples of teams taking low-risk swings on veterans mid-summer or in preseason. The outcomes range widely, and these cases reveal decision-making patterns that apply to Sanders.

• Case: Mid-career veteran signs a short-term deal and becomes a starter. Examples include players who found new life in systems better matched to their skill sets. The key factors: scheme fit, offensive line play, and a role that maximizes strengths.
• Case: Injury limits impact; player becomes depth. Injuries can reappear or limit performance, resulting in the veteran being a situational contributor rather than a weekly bell cow.
• Case: Practice-squad to active roster progression. Some veterans accept practice-squad or short-term contracts, winning roles through week-to-week availability or injuries to others.

Teams that hit on mid-summer pickups often do three things correctly: thorough medical exams, clear role definition, and immediate plan for reintegration into game plans. For the veteran, adaptability and willingness to accept a reduced or altered role determine longevity.

Applying these lessons to Sanders, the positive path includes a clear role—primary early-down back, complementary third-down player, or rotational change-of-pace—in a scheme that values his burst and receiving. The negative path is one where worries about durability or pass protection limit his snaps, relegating him to special teams and depth.

Analytics perspective: what the limited 2025 sample tells us

The 2025 sample with Dallas—20 carries for 117 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and eight receptions for 30 yards in four games—must be contextualized. Small samples carry variance: yards per carry can be inflated by a single long run; reception yards depend on target depth and route design.

Still, some inferences are possible:

• Efficiency: 5.9 YPC over 20 attempts signals the ability to produce big plays when given creases. Coaches will study tape to see whether the efficiency came from explosive acceleration, excellent creation in space, or weak defensive fronts during those carries.
• Pass-game role: Eight receptions in four games indicates usage in passing downs. Volume is moderate, but it shows coaches trusted his hands and route-running enough to place him in passing situations.
• Physical readiness: Participation across four games suggests functional recovery and the ability to withstand game-speed impacts, albeit not necessarily long-term pounding.

Teams will supplement these numbers with analytics such as missed tackles forced, yards after contact, and route separation metrics from tracking data. Those advanced indicators matter more than raw volume in evaluating a veteran back’s immediate projection, because coaches care about what a player consistently does on each play, not just totals.

The broader market for veteran running backs

Veteran running backs occupy a unique market segment in the NFL. Teams prioritize cost control and flexibility, and the position’s replacement rate is high. The result: experienced backs often sign short-term, incentive-heavy contracts. Teams evaluate three core attributes:

• Immediate availability and medical reliability.
• Fit with scheme and offensive line competence.
• Special-teams contribution and locker-room leadership.

Examples of league behavior include: teams adding veterans late in camp to replace injured starters; teams signing proven backups to stabilize committees; and teams using veteran presence to mentor rookies they expect to grow into larger roles. The Raiders’ workout with Sanders fits these patterns. They assess whether Sanders brings more immediate roster value than internal options or draft picks.

Market timing matters. Training-camp injuries push demand upward. If teams face last-minute depth concerns, veterans like Sanders become attractive due to their experience and lower upfront cost. Conversely, if the market tilts toward youth and draft capital, veterans may receive fewer guaranteed offers.

For veterans themselves, the optimal contract is one that balances immediate playing opportunity with financial security. Many choose teams where scheme and depth charts provide a real chance to play. Sanders’ audition increases those chances in markets where three-down versatility is prized.

Fit with Las Vegas specifically: schematic and personnel considerations

Evaluating fit requires understanding what coaches ask of their backs. The Raiders’ offensive identity—game plans, blocking schemes, passing-tree philosophy and quarterback tendencies—determines how they deploy backs. Sanders’ versatility makes him adaptable; several concrete fit scenarios exist:

• Early-down workhorse in mixed schemes: If the Raiders lean on a balanced attack that mixes zone runs with power concepts, Sanders can carry early-down responsibility and finish runs effectively.
• Third-down and two-back packages: If the plan calls for greater passing usage on third downs, Sanders’ route skills allow him to remain on the field while an early-down back rotates for rest.
• Complement to a young, between-the-tackles runner: Pairing Sanders with a power, between-the-tackles back creates a complementary set that preserves each back’s strengths—Sanders for space creation and receiving; the younger power back for short-yardage and grind-out situations.

Offensive line play dictates backroom success. A back’s vision and burst can be limited or magnified by blocking quality. The Raiders’ offensive line performance in both run-blocking and pass protection will influence Sanders’ production. Coaches will evaluate tape to see how much of his 5.9 YPC sample depends on blocking versus his own creation.

Another factor is quarterback play and play-action frequency. Backs who stay on the field in passing downs benefit when quarterbacks target check-downs regularly. If the Raiders prefer to use the running back as an outlet in high-pressure or high-volume passing environments, Sanders’ receiving ability becomes more valuable.

Finally, special teams and leadership roles matter. If the Raiders seek a veteran voice to guide younger backs through the season’s grind, Sanders provides credibility. Coaches often prize such intangible contributions when making final roster decisions.

Health monitoring and player usage strategies for veterans

Teams employ smart usage strategies to maximize veteran backs’ availability. Approaches include:

• Snap-count management: Limiting season-long snap totals reduces cumulative wear and prolongs effectiveness. Coaches assign roles so a veteran doesn’t carry the entire load every week.
• Package specialization: Using a veteran in clear-cut situations—third downs, two-minute drills, or red zone—maximizes impact while limiting exposure to repeated pounding.
• Rest and recovery protocols: Teams implement load management during practice, strategic rest days and focus on recovery modalities to preserve veterans through the season.
• Performance-tracking and medical transparency: Continuous collaboration between coaching, medical and strength staff helps identify early warning signs and adjust usage accordingly.

Teams that use veterans successfully often apply a combination of these tactics. For Sanders, a plan that preserves explosiveness while leveraging receiving skills increases his odds of sustained contribution.

Potential outcomes and timelines following the workout

Several realistic outcomes follow a workout like Sanders’:

1. Immediate signing: If medicals and drills satisfy the Raiders, they may sign Sanders to a one-year, low-guarantee deal quickly. This route suits teams wanting instant reinforcement with controlled financial exposure.
2. Continued evaluation and delayed signing: Coaches sometimes wait, using the workout to compare Sanders to other candidates or to await roster changes from injuries elsewhere. Sanders could remain a free agent for weeks as teams reassess needs.
3. No deal from the hosting team but interest from others: A promising workout can produce calls from other teams. Sanders’ medical clearance and tape could spark competitive offers, driving the market modestly upward.
4. Practice-squad role: If a team likes Sanders but needs roster flexibility, a short-term practice-squad or veteran-minimal deal remains possible—less likely for a player with clear testing results but a realistic fallback in crowded markets.

The timeline from workout to signing often compresses when injuries occur leaguewide. Teams that want to act decisively do so when a clear roster need exists. For Sanders, the medical clearance and previous resume shorten negotiation cycles.

Real-world comparisons: what other veteran RBs have taught us

Veteran running backs have followed multiple career arcs that offer instructive parallels:

• Revival through fit: Some veterans change environments and thrive because the new scheme plays to their strengths. This outcome requires alignment between play design and a back’s preferred running style.
• Ease into limited snaps: Other veterans become effective role players who maximize targeted opportunities rather than carrying every down. This path preserves health and extends careers.
• Diminished role due to wear: Cumulative injuries and workload reduce certain veterans to reserve roles, often used situationally. Teams plan accordingly, extracting value without overcommitting.

Sanders’ best-case trajectory mirrors the first two cases: find a system that values his receiving ability, uses him in high-leverage passing or perimeter runs, and manages snaps. The worst-case scenario matches the third: lingering limitations reduce him to depth.

Teams that have looked beyond surface metrics and analyzed underlying traits—route-running, decisiveness between tackles, contact balance—have enjoyed more consistent success when signing veteran backs. For Sanders, the Raiders’ medical team and offensive coaches must perform the same scrutiny.

What the Raiders’ current competition structure implies (without roster names)

Training camp competitions for running back carry outsized importance. Roster decisions hinge on practice performance, special-teams contribution and how a player instinctively fits a coach’s ethos. When a team hosts a veteran like Sanders, it creates immediate competition pressure on in-house options.

Competition does several things:

• Identifies weaknesses and strengths faster than film alone.
• Forces internal players to raise standards.
• Provides contingency plans if primary options falter.

For the Raiders, bringing Sanders into that environment tests whether the incumbent group can handle early-season responsibilities or needs veteran stability. The audition signals approachability in roster-building: the team will pursue players who present real, near-term upgrades.

Scouting takeaways from the workout context

Scouts prioritize the following observations during workouts:

• Burst and change of direction: Can a player separate from defenders at game speed?
• Route-running polish: Does the back create separation on short routes and show reliable hands?
• Pass protection awareness: Does the back identify blitzes and pick up his assignments quickly?
• Durability cues: Are there compensatory movements that suggest future issues?

From a scouting perspective, a clean medical report for Sanders is necessary but not sufficient. Coaches must see consistent explosiveness and reliable technique in drills. If Sanders demonstrates both, the Raiders will view him as a viable contributor.

Financial and strategic implications for the Raiders’ roster

Signing a veteran like Sanders involves more than on-field evaluation. Financial commitments—even modest ones—affect roster flexibility. Short-term veteran deals leave teams nimble: they can add higher-upside young players later if performance lags. Conversely, a multi-year guarantee for a 29-year-old back recovering from injury rarely makes sense.

Strategically, the Raiders face choices common across the league: prioritize short-term win-now depth, invest in younger, cheaper talent with longer-term upside, or strike a balance. Adding Sanders tilts toward immediate competitiveness, offering a back with starting experience who can perform while younger players develop.

If the Raiders sign Sanders, they must also prepare contingency plans for game planning, snap distribution and potential midseason adjustments. The presence of a veteran shapes practice reps, preseason carries and the overall cadence of how the offense is developed.

Projecting outcomes for the 2026 season

Several plausible scenarios for Sanders in 2026 follow logically from this workout:

• Starting opportunity: Injury or underperformance by incumbents opens a path for Sanders to start. His receiving ability and burst would likely become focal points in game plans.
• Rotational contributor: Sanders plays in a timeshare, handling 20–40% of snaps while providing third-down reliability. This usage preserves his health and fits many modern committees.
• Situational specialist: He becomes a red-zone and passing-down weapon, maximizing targeted plays while minimizing wear.
• Depth/reserve: Sanders signs but never secures a substantial role, contributing on special teams and as immediate injury insurance.

The most likely outcome aligns with rotational contributor or situational specialist. Teams rarely hand full-season workloads to 29-year-old backs coming off significant knee injuries without incremental ramp-ups.

What fans and fantasy managers should watch

For fans and fantasy players, several signals indicate Sanders’ likely value:

• Snap counts in preseason games: Early heavy usage predicts larger seasonal roles.
• Third-down and passing-down splits: High percentages in passing situations boost PPR (points-per-reception) fantasy value.
• Target shares near the quarterback: High involvement in check-downs and guaranteed yards increases fantasy floor.
• Red-zone touches: More goal-line opportunities translate to touchdown upside.

Fantasy managers should treat Sanders as a mid- to late-tier option until he secures a defined role. His medical clearance and efficiency sample warrant interest, but uncertainty around snaps and team fit keeps him off early-round consideration.

Organizational fit and leadership value

Teams often sign veterans for cultural reasons as much as strategic ones. A player who embodies professionalism, film diligence, and locker-room presence helps maintain standards during adversity. Sanders’ experience as a primary back in past seasons offers a template for leadership.

Coaches value voices that help younger backs understand pass protection, leverage angles, and film study habits. If Sanders demonstrates commitment in practices, he will earn trust quickly. That trust translates into playing time and longer-term roster opportunities.

Conclusion (final considerations and implications)

The Raiders’ workout of Miles Sanders offers a clear message: the team is actively seeking veteran, cost-controlled contributors who can step in immediately if needed. Sanders’ blend of rushing explosiveness and receiving ability, combined with his full medical clearance, makes him an intriguing option for any team balancing offensive versatility with financial prudence.

Teams and fans should view this as a practical move rather than a headline-grabbing splash. The backfield’s final composition will reflect final medicals, contract terms and how coaches imagine the offense a month from now. Sanders’ visit simply brings him into that decision loop; his next contract will depend on whether on-field drills confirm the potential his tape and limited 2025 sample suggest.

FAQ

Q: Is Miles Sanders healthy and ready to play? A: Reports indicate Sanders is fully cleared from a season-ending knee injury. That removes the primary barrier to signing him, but teams will conduct their own medical checks and observe him in drills to confirm functional readiness under game-like conditions.

Q: What kind of contract should Sanders expect after this workout? A: The most likely structure is a short-term, low-guarantee deal with playing-time or performance incentives. One-year deals that minimize team risk while providing upside for the player are standard for veteran backs returning from injury.

Q: How would Sanders fit into the Raiders’ offense? A: Sanders can fill roles ranging from early-down workhorse to third-down receiving back, depending on the Raiders’ scheme and personnel. His receiving ability increases his chances of being used on passing downs, while his burst supports success in both zone and gap concepts.

Q: Does Sanders’ 5.9 YPC in 2025 mean he’s back to form? A: The 5.9 yards-per-carry figure is from a small sample (20 attempts) and should be interpreted cautiously. It indicates efficiency in limited opportunities but does not prove sustained, season-long production. Coaches will prioritize tape evaluation and functional testing.

Q: Could Sanders become a starter again? A: Yes. A starter-level role is possible if Sanders demonstrates durability, pass protection reliability and consistent production in practice and preseason. The most immediate path to a starting job would be a combination of performance and opportunity—injuries or underperformance by incumbent backs.

Q: Will signing Sanders block younger running backs from developing? A: That depends on usage. If Sanders signs and takes a large share of snaps, younger backs may have reduced early-season opportunities. Conversely, a rotation could provide younger players with situational reps while preserving their limited carries for late-season development.

Q: How important is pass protection for Sanders’ chances? A: Pass protection is critical. Teams often keep a running back on the field for passing downs only if he can block effectively. Improvement or demonstrated competence in pass protection will significantly increase Sanders’ value.

Q: What should fantasy football managers do with Sanders? A: Treat Sanders as a speculative pickup until he secures a defined role. Monitor preseason usage, snap counts, and third-down involvement. If he begins the season with a clear role and high snap share, his fantasy stock rises quickly, especially in PPR formats.

Q: If the Raiders don’t sign him, will other teams be interested? A: Yes. Veterans with starting experience who are medically cleared draw interest, particularly if injuries occur during training camp. Multiple teams could pursue Sanders, and offers will likely reflect team needs and injury situations across the league.

Q: How long will it take to know whether this workout leads to a deal? A: Decisions can occur within days if medicals and drills satisfy the team. Alternatively, teams sometimes use workouts to compare players and delay signings until roster changes or injuries force action. Expect clarity within a short window—two weeks is a reasonable expectation in most cases.

Q: What factors will ultimately decide Sanders’ next landing spot? A: Medical verification, immediate roster need, schematic fit, financial terms, and the potential for playing time. Coaches will prioritize where Sanders can contribute quickly and sustainably while minimizing long-term financial exposure.

Q: Are there historical precedents where workouts produced immediate signings? A: Yes. NFL teams often conduct late-summer workouts that quickly result in signings when medicals are clean and scheme fit is evident. These are common solutions for teams facing depth concerns or last-minute injuries.

Q: How should Raiders fans read this move? A: The workout reflects prudent roster management: evaluate a proven talent who could provide immediate help without long-term financial risk. It shows an emphasis on readiness and competition in the backfield.

Q: What should Sanders himself be focused on during this period? A: Demonstrating consistent burst, clean change-of-direction, reliable hands, and dependable pass protection in drills. Showing willingness to contribute on special teams and to accept a role that helps the team will enhance his attractiveness to potential suitors.