Emmanuel Sanders had appealing NFC options. Sanders spoke with the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers, but preferred to wind up with the New Orleans Saints, where he land d a two-year, $16 million deal worth up to $19 million.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2020
The search for pass-catching help continues on, but the Green Bay Packers were in the mix for veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Packers and Dallas Cowboys were both options for Sanders, who ended up signing with the New Orleans Saints on a two-year deal worth up to $19 million.
Sanders, now 33, was available during the trade deadline last year. He was eventually traded from the Denver Broncos to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round pick and a swap of mid-round picks.
Sanders produced 66 catches for 869 yards and five touchdowns over 17 games between the two teams in 2019. He caught 68 percent of his targets, averaged 9.0 yards per target and dropped just two passes.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Sanders could have provided the Packers with a legitimate No. 2 receiver behind Davante Adams. Instead, he’ll head to New Orleans to fill the same role behind All-Pro Michael Thomas.
Remaining free-agent options at receiver include Robby Anderson, Breshad Perriman, Tajae Sharpe, Taylor Gabriel, Phillip Dorsett and Nelson Agholor. Tight end Delanie Walker also remains an option.
The Packers were previously out-bid for Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper, who signed a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.