After Von Miller signed a new deal, the next issue facing Denver Broncos general manager John Elway is signing wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to a new contract.
Emmanuel Sanders has been named as the next member of the Denver Broncos in line for a bumper new contract, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post.
The report stated that Sanders, who has one year remaining on his current deal with the Super Bowl champions, is shying away from both negotiations and speculation. Yet, the gifted pass-catcher has also made it clear where his heart lies as he considers the next chapter of his NFL career:
"Sanders says his priority is staying on the field, not in the meeting room. But with all-pro outside linebacker Von Miller now signed to a whopping six-year, $114.5 million contract that includes $70 million in guarantees; and inside linebacker Brandon Marshall locked up on a four-year, $32 million extension, the spotlight now is on Sanders.In April, Sanders made his intentions clear. He wants to be a Pro Bowler. He wants another 1,000-yard season. And he wants another Super Bowl title ring.He also wants to stay in Denver."
It makes sense to reference the lucrative new contracts handed out to both Von Miller and inside linebacker Brandon Marshall. While both are vital to the NFL‘s best defense, albeit in different ways, Sanders is the key to Denver’s passing attack.
Like most Broncos receivers, the normally prolific No. 10 didn’t enjoy his most productive season in 2015, while quarterback Peyton Manning nudged his way toward retirement and raw youngster Brock Osweiler attempted to pick up the slack.
Sanders still topped 1,000 yards, but was nearly 300 down on the previous season, with three fewer touchdowns, per the league’s official site.
Still, he rose to the occasion in the playoffs, particularly during the Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers, when he caught six passes for 83 yards.
At his best, he’s a highly versatile playmaker who can burn defenses from both the slot and on the outside. Sanders thrives in the shallow zones thanks to his moves and after-the-catch speed, something head coach Gary Kubiak maximizes on well-designed crossing patterns. He’s also an underrated deep threat.
The sure-handed veteran is a quarterback-friendly target whose importance will increase while Mark Sanchez and rookie Paxton Lynch vie to succeed Manning.
Sanders has the talent to make either passer look better, something sure to strengthen his negotiating position.
The Broncos need Sanders, and Elway can justify offering the $10 million per year they’ve so far been unwilling to pay a 29-year-old, ostensible No. 2 receiver, per Jhabvala.
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