METAIRIE, Louisiana – The New Orleans Saints is launching veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders after just one season, while continuing to reduce its huge wage cap deficit, an ESPN source told Adam Schefter.
Sanders, who will be 34 next week, confirmed the change in an Instagram post, saying:
“New Orleans has been real. It’s a shame we didn’t bring a super bowl to the city that was the goal when I signed it, but it was a blessing to show my talents in front of you over the weekend and week away. #Blessingsoblessings #Imafreeagent # Where’s the next one? “
Sanders was expected to win $ 8 million this season, with $ 2 million guaranteed. The Saints will save at least $ 4 million against the salary cap by releasing it – and possibly $ 6 million if they designate it as a post-June 1 launch.
Sanders managed 61 passes for 726 yards and five touchdowns in 14 regular season games last season. He picked up another eight passes for 51 yards in the playoffs.
The 180-pound 5-foot-11 has a total of 662 receptions for 8,619 yards and 47 touchdowns in an 11-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers and the Saints. He was selected for two Pro Bowls and appeared in three Super Bowls – winning a title with the 2015 Broncos.
The Saints now have a big gap for a number 2 receiver alongside Michael Thomas again. The position will be considered one of the main off-season needs, especially as the other recipient Tre’Quan Smith is approaching the last year of his contract.
New Orleans has already launched veterans Sanders, gambler Thomas Morstead, tight end Josh Hill and striker Nick Easton, while narrowing the gap between games this season. The Saints will likely launch linebacker Kwon Alexander as well, as he owes $ 13.4 million after tearing his Achilles in December.
The Saints began the off-season with almost $ 100 million above the salary cap and cut that number almost in half on Wednesday morning, after placing the franchise mark on free agent Marcus Williams.