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Emmanuel Sanders has put pen to paper on a 2 year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. Sanders’ signing with the Saints comes after numerous rumours swirled of the veteran pass-catcher rejoining the San Francisco 49ers or signing in Big D with the Dallas Cowboys.
Sanders’ 2019 season really took off after being dealt by the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl-bound San Francisco 49ers at the trade deadline.
Following the trade, Sanders put up 502 yards receiving, 3 touchdowns and only 1 drop. Along the way, Sanders made several highlight players including a game-winning catch in Week Sixteen against the L.A. Rams and an inspired performance against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. On the day, Sanders had 157 yards receiving, 1 TD reception and 1 TD pass.
It’s also worth noting that the play of 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garroppolo went up another level thanks to the presence of Sanders. After Sanders landed in the Bay Area, Garoppolo threw 20 touchdowns in 10 games and had a passer rating of 108.2, both tied third in the NFL. He also ranked second in Y/A with 8.62, only behind Ryan Tannehill.
Sanders also had a positive effect on the young 49ers WR group. Sanders’ influence on young wideouts such as Kendrick Bourne and Deebo Samuel was clear to see. Following the season, a clip of Sanders motivating and coaching the young wide receivers went viral.
It is clear to see that Sanders is a consummate professional and, still at age 32, one of the NFL’s most productive and dangerous offensive weapons. So, where does he fit in with the Saints?
Despite Sanders’ stature as an NFL veteran and starter, it’s understood that the former 49er will forgo the ‘no. 2’ role in New Orleans behind top dog Michael Thomas. The ‘no. 2’ pass-catcher is usually someone of a smaller frame with reliable hands, crisp route running and elite level elusiveness, a series of traits which Sanders possesses in abundance. Week in, week out, Sanders seamlessly glides across the gridiron.
After seeing Randall Cobb get a 3 year, $30 million contract from the Houston Texans, Sanders deal with the Saints is one of the better ones in free agency. As Drew Brees approaches the final few autumns of his career, he’ll need every weapon he can get. Luckily for him, Sanders is one of the best in the NFL.
