The Denver Broncos have made it clear that finding a new quarterback is a top priority this offseason, but obviously that’s not a cheap proposition. On that note, it was recently reported that the Broncos might attempt to trade wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in order to clear up some salary cap space.
Though, this may not be the case, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who wrote, “The belief is” both Sanders and Demaryius Thomas are “safe with the chase for a top QB in mind.”
This does make sense. If the Broncos aim to sign a veteran quarterback such as Kirk Cousins, why eliminate one of the team’s best receivers? When healthy and playing with a good quarterback, Sanders is a dynamo.
For example, Sanders averaged a catch rate of 81.7 percent when playing with Peyton Manning primarily under center in 2014-15. He also had 15 touchdowns and 2,539 yards in that two-year stretch.
Last year in the 12 games Sanders played, he caught only 46.3 percent of his targets and scored twice. We all know the sad state of quarterbacks Sanders was forced to work with in 2017. Fellow wideout Demaryius Thomas’ overall production tanked as well last season.
For now, it appears both receivers’ jobs are safe. It should be an exciting offseason for Denver once free agency begins.