The Denver Broncos could trade Emmanuel Sanders ahead of the 2019 NFL Trade Deadline but where could the wide receiver land?
With a loss in Week 7, the Denver Broncos dropped to 2-5 of the 2019 NFL season. It’s clear that, despite the Joe Flacco trade and a touted defense, the Broncos aren’t going anywhere this season. As such, they could be sellers at the 2019 NFL Trade Deadline. And veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is one of the players that could wind up on the trade block.
According to a report on Sunday from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, teams have been calling Denver about a possible Emmanuel Sanders trade. More importantly, the report states that the chances that he’s moved ahead of the Oct. 29 deadline are very real.
The 32-year old wideout has been solid this season, despite the Broncos’ anemic offense. Through seven games, Sanders has 30 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns on the year. Even more remarkable, he’s shown no ill signs health-wise after returning from an Achilles tear suffered in December 2018. Even though he’s set to become a free agent after this season, the production and experience of Sanders make him a coveted commodity.
Schefter’s report also states that the Broncos could receive a Day 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft for Sanders, slightly higher than what they got in return for Demaryius Thomas last year. A team looking to strengthen their offense down the stretch could be willing to pay that price.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five teams that could be after an Emmanuel Sanders trade ahead of the 2019 NFL Trade Deadline.
5. Carolina Panthers
It’s a testament to the talent of the Carolina Panthers that, despite the poor early-season play of Cam Newton and then him being sidelined due to injury, they remain in the playoff mix. Kyle Allen has performed beautifully, as has star running back Christian McCaffrey. But while D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel have been good too, the wide receiver depth is lacking in Carolina.
Sanders would give the Panthers a different type of player in the mix for their passing game, whether it’s Newton or Allen that takes the reins of the offense down the stretch. He provides a different skill-set than Moore and Samuel and would further open up the field for McCaffrey to continue carrying the offense.
If Carolina wants to make a splash to try and truly challenge the Saints, trading for Emmanuel Sanders might do the trick.