10 NFL free agency signings for 2021 that could backfire
By Randy Gurzi
3. Emmanuel Sanders, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills
Last season, the Buffalo Bills were one of the best teams in the AFC. Josh Allen was a huge reason for that as the third-year quarterback was playing at an MVP level throughout the year. They would end up losing in the AFC Championship Game to the Kansas City Chiefs but were still on the cusp of making it to the big game.
Buffalo did end up losing one of their deep threats this offseason though as John Brown left in free agency. Brown had 1,060 yards in 2019 but was a forgotten man once Stefon Diggs arrived. He also missed seven games and Buffalo started to rely on rookie Gabriel Davis who had 35 receptions for 599 yards and seven touchdowns.
Despite having Davis working behind Diggs and veteran Cole Beasley, the Bills elected to sign Emmanuel Sanders to a one-year deal worth $6 million. Sure, Sanders is a huge name in the NFL and was solid last season for New Orleans with 726 yards and five touchdowns on 61 receptions but is he really needed?
As it stands now, they’re expecting the 34-year-old to be the No. 3 wideout but that means Davis will lose snaps despite really standing out as a rookie. Davis is also the biggest of the receivers at 6-2 and 216 pounds, bringing a much-needed element to the offense.
Sanders has been great in the NFL for a very long time but it feels like he wasn’t the best move for the Bills who should have stuck with the status quo — or if they wanted to make a splash, maybe they could have done so at tight end rather than at receiver where it could stunt the growth of a talented young player.