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NFL Free Agency 2020: 5 Best landing spots for Emmanuel Sanders

By Tom Franich

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 29: Emmanuel Sanders #17 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass against Bradley McDougald #30 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The San Francisco 49ers top the Seattle Seahawks 26-21. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 29: Emmanuel Sanders #17 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass against Bradley McDougald #30 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The San Francisco 49ers top the Seattle Seahawks 26-21. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Emmanuel Sanders, NFL Free Agency (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Emmanuel Sanders, NFL Free Agency (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

2. New England Patriots

It is obvious the Patriot’s attention will be somewhere else when free agency opens up. But with or without Tom Brady, it was clear the Patriots struggled in clutch moments on offense last season and need to add a new weapon or two. Other than Julian Edelman, none of the Patriots wide receivers had 400 receiving yards while with New England, as Phillip Dorsett was the closest but also is lined up to hit free agency.

Emmanuel Sanders could be the guy to give the Patriots passing game the kind of boost they need to make it deep into the playoffs yet again. After an injury-plagued season with receivers such as Josh Gordon, who ended up being sent to Seattle, Sanders would provide some good depth for New England and an offense that needs to step it up for their defense.

I expect Bill Belichick to be aggressive looking for wide receivers and tight ends in the draft and free-agent pool. Sanders could make a positive difference as a slot receiver alongside Edelman and Mohamed Sanu, who, like Sanders, are veteran wide receivers looking to contend and win it all.

1. New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees announced he is coming back for the 2020 season hoping to take another shot at the Super Bowl. Adding a wide receiver like Sanders would really increase the Saints’ chances, as it has been up to Michael Thomas to carry the team when it comes to receiving for the last few seasons. Thomas just had 1,000 more receiving yards than any other player on the Saints, having Sanders opposite to him would be just what they needed.

The Saints must already be interested after their heartbreaking battle with the 49ers on Week 14. Sanders caught seven passes for his season-high of 157 receiving yards. He showed off his route-running skills, including a 75-yard play resulting in a touchdown.

Next. 2020 NFL Mock Draft, post-Combine: Raiders trade into top 10. dark

Acquiring Sanders as the secondary option next to Thomas would provide the future Hall of Fame quarterback with another weapon to set records and go after the Lombardi Trophy with. Signing him would not cost them any draft picks and after just coming up short in the Super Bowl, a team like the Saints should catch Sanders’s interest as long as they can make the right kind of offer.

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