It sounds like Emmanuel Sanders could be heading to Buffalo. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the Bills are in “serious talks” with the veteran free agent wideout.
As Pelissero notes, the Saints have yet to release Sanders, with that transaction expected to take place after 4 p.m. Wednesday due to cap reasons. However, it’s been almost a week since we heard of New Orleans’ intent to cut the veteran, and the team formally announced the impending transaction today.
Sanders joined the Saints on a two-year, $16 million deal last offseason. The veteran went on to notch 61 catches for 726 yards and five touchdowns during his first season in the NFC. Even though he was productive, he was less efficient on a per-catch basis than usual; his 11.9 ypc average was among the lowest of his career and well below his finest work in Denver.
It’s been a while since Sanders was a 1,000-yard receiver, a mark he exceeded with the Broncos each season between 2014 and 2016. Since 2017, the veteran has averaged 754.5 yards per season, making him a serviceable second or third wideout on the depth chart.
That would presumably be Sanders' role in Buffalo. Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley are Josh Allen‘s top two targets, but following John Brown‘s release, Buffalo is presumably seeking a third receiver who can compete with the likes of Gabriel Davis for targets.
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