"I've tried to avoid dealing in hypotheticals," Ware said from his Atlanta office. "But if we put him in a position where he can go to another team, certainly Miami would be high on his list of places where he would like to play."

A Jan. 11 arbitration hearing is scheduled to determine Sanders' future. The Lions want him to return $5.5 million in signing bonus money they say he owes the team after his unexpected retirement this summer.

Sanders is willing to repay the Lions, Ware said, but in return wants the club to relinquish its rights to him. That would make Sanders an unrestricted free agent.

If the Lions retain his rights, the only way to acquire Sanders would be via trade. Either way, the Dolphins are likely to be interested in the perennial Pro Bowl running back, who will be 32 next season.

The Dolphins' running game ranks 25th in the NFL this season, and they're one of the few teams with enough salary cap room to fit Sanders onto the payroll.

There was no answer at Ware's office Friday, and he couldn't be reached for further comment.-----ESPN