Dallas Cowboys rumors: Emmanuel Sanders would create juggernaut offense

The Dallas Cowboys and Emmanuel Sanders reportedly have mutual interest in free agency and adding the wide receiver would make the ‘Boys a juggernaut.

While the Dallas Cowboys have made some big splashes early in 2020 NFL free agency, namely tagging Dak Prescott, re-signing Amari Cooper and landing Gerald McCoy, they’ve also suffered supreme losses. Byron Jones, Robert Quinn, Randall Cobb and even Jason Witten and Jeff Heath are all no longer in Dallas. But the offseason isn’t over, and Emmanuel Sanders could be another huge splash.

According to Jane Slater of NFL Network, the Cowboys have “expressed interest” in 33-year-old wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, fresh off of finishing the 2019 season with the 49ers and playing in Super Bowl LIV. He recovered remarkably quickly from an Achilles tear late in 2018 and performed quite well for a veteran.

Slater also notes that the interest between Dallas and Sanders is mutual as the wideout works out in the offseason in the city.

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Sanders had an inauspicious but solid start to his NFL career with the Steelers but broke out when he joined the Broncos in 2014. He made the Pro Bowl twice with the Broncos, posting three-straight 1,000-yard seasons in Denver from 2014-16. While his 2017 season (limited to only 12 games) was less than stellar thanks to quarterback play, he’s been productive over the past two years.

In 2018, Sanders has caught 137 passes for 1,737 yards and nine touchdowns in 29 games. Even entering his mid-30s, he’s proven that he’s a valuable asset as a slot receiver. And with Cobb leaving the Cowboys in free agency, he would be an upgrade at that position.

If the Cowboys and Sanders were able to strike a deal this offseason, Dallas would be able to boast one of the most complete wide receiver corps in the NFL with Cooper, Sanders and Michael Gallup. That trio provides new head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore the ability to attack all levels of the field with lethal proficiency.

Because of his age, Sanders might not get top dollar on the free agency market, which fits right into the Cowboys’ plans. As they’re paying Cooper $20 million per year and are still trying to work out a long-term contract with Prescott that will surely pay him well over $30 million per year, they have to operate smartly with their finances.

In terms of fit, however, Sanders would be a coup for the Cowboys. There is already a ton of optimism with McCarthy taking over the offense from the stale stylings of Jason Garrett but adding a weapon of Sanders’ caliber could take that optimism to another level.