Green Bay Packers: Does signing Emmanuel Sanders make sense?
By Joe Kipp
Emmanuel Sanders is a free agent after being released by the New Orleans Saints. Could the Green Bay Packers swoop in and add him to their lineup?
Add yet another veteran receiver to the free agent wishlist for the Green Bay Packers. The New Orleans Saints released Emmanuel Sanders on Wednesday, and Green Bay appears to be a potential landing spot.
The 33-year-old receiver was connected to the Packers via trade in the past before the San Francisco 49ers acquired him back in 2019. Now that he’s a free agent, would the Packers still be interested? The team is currently $9.7 million over the cap as of March 10, meaning several moves must take place before the start of the new league year on March 17.
Perhaps a team friendly deal could be in the cards for both Sanders and Green Bay. Now in his 11th season, Sanders might be at the point where he wants to chase another ring after winning one in 2015 with the Denver Broncos. What better way than to play with the reigning NFL MVP in Aaron Rodgers?
Wouldn't be surprised if he wound up in GB on team friendly deal. https://t.co/o0mRzVoq2B
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 10, 2021
One of the biggest concerns may be how Sanders would fare at his current age. Even at 33, Sanders was extremely productive last season for New Orleans, especially when considering Drew Brees missed a month with broken ribs. In 14 games, Sanders hauled in 61 receptions for 726 yards and five touchdowns. He missed two games due to covid-19 and still finished second on the team in receiving yards.
Adding Sanders would provide the Packers’ offense with a battle-tested, reliable target out of the slot. We saw several times last season the moment was too big for some of Green Bay’s receivers after dropping key passes. Sanders is a savvy veteran with the experience needed in big moments.
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If the Packers were somehow able to talk Sanders’ representatives into a two-year deal worth $6-8 million, Green Bay’s receiving corps would turn from good to great overnight. A lineup of Davante Adams, Sanders, Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be more than enough for Rodgers to work with.