Teams across the NFL are beginning training camp as the season looms just around the corner. Most teams have their roster set in stone, but some intriguing names are still available to sign. One of the best remaining free agents is wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
Sanders has found a niche at every stop of his NFL career. He began his career as a complimentary receiver with the Pittsburgh Steelers, growing each year he was there. He then joined the Denver Broncos in 2014 and put up three straight 1,000 yard seasons.
Since leaving the Broncos at the 2019 trade deadline, Sanders bounced around the league. He finished the 2019 season with the San Francisco 49ers, then spent one year each with the New Orleans and Buffalo Bills. Even as he ages, he still eclipsed 500 yards at each of his last three stops.
A player like Sanders still being a free agent is rare in the NFL. While many teams could benefit from Sanders' services, these three would be the best fit.
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Emmanuel Sanders: Best Destinations
Michael Pittman Jr. broke out in 2021. The second-year receiver out of USC caught 88 passes for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns to lead the team in all categories. Not only did he lead Indianapolis in receiving yards, but he had nearly 700 more than the next closest temmate.
The Colts would love to get a receiver to compliment Pittman, making Matt Ryan's job a little easier. The addition of Sanders could greatly help a Colts passing attack that averaged less than 200 yards per game in 2021.
Sanders is used to playing a complimentary role on a team's offense. He previously played alongside star receivers such as Antonio Brown, Demaryius Thomas and Stefon Diggs, so he'd fit right in behind Pittman. He would also have the benefit of playing alongside star running back Jonathan Taylor, who could force opposing defenses to stack the box and let Sanders get open deep.
Kansas City is still recovering from losing Tyreek Hill this offseason. The Chiefs signed JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdez-Scantling to try to fill the void, but they still need more. Sanders could help the Chiefs fill that hole a little more.
While Valdez-Scantling is already a deep threat, averaging 16.5 yards per catch in his career, Patrick Mahomes needs more than one home-run hitter. Sanders cannot only play as a deep threat like he did in Buffalo, but also occupy an underneath role like he did in New Orleans.
The Chiefs are a team firmly in win-now mode, and Sanders likely wants one more title before he retires. Joining Kansas City may be his best path to a ring.
1. Buffalo Bills
A reunion with the Bills seems unlikely for Sanders given how close the season is. Still, returning to Buffalo is the best career move for the veteran wide out.
Buffalo's formidable passing attack took a bit of a hit this offseason. Not only have the Bills not resigned Sanders yet, but they also cut Cole Beasley. While they signed Jamison Crowder to help cover the losses, adding Sanders back would help them even more.
The issue with a potential return to Buffalo is the salary cap. The Bills have less than $5 million in cap space to work with, and signing a complimentary receiver may be a luxury to them. Still, Emmanuel Sanders is proven to be effective in their system and can help them claim their first Lombardi trophy.
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