Emmanuel Sanders gets 3 years, $15 million from Denver Broncos
Emmanuel Sanders (88) returns a kick-off against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Miami Dolphins won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos signing of former Pittsburgh Steelers free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is a controversial one due to the actions of Sanders’s agent Steve Weinberg, and Kansas City Chiefs fans certainly feel stiffed and lost out on a solid WR who would have been a major upgrade for them. We knew the Broncos signed Sanders ever since it was reported last night, but now the Broncos have officially announced the move.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Sanders has indeed signed a three-year deal with the Broncos, and he adds that the deal is worth $15 million. $5 million per year is a fair price for a productive wideout, and Sanders should have a career year in Denver. He has the speed to take on the “burner” role that Eric Decker held last year, and he has the versatility to line up in the slot or on the outside. Is he better than Decker? No, but he has plenty of talent and isn’t getting paid like Decker either. Sanders is also a pretty darn good return man, and he can help out in that regard without former returner Trindon Holliday’s fumbles.
If Sanders can become more consistent and work on his hands, then he could be a very good player in this league. The 26-year-old SMU product had significant interest this offseason after catching 67 passes for 740 yards and six touchdowns last season, and I am expecting a breakout year as Peyton Manning’s new fourth Horseman (though Decker was above Julius Thomas on the totem pole last year).
His deal is reportedly pending a physical.