With free agency just a month away now, the Indianapolis Colts have enough salary cap space and need to be players in the wide receiver market. Could Emmanuel Sanders be a target?

The Road So Far

A third-round pick with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2010 NFL draft, Sanders had a solid start to his career over the first four years. But he didn’t truly break out until he joined the Denver Broncos in 2014.

While with the Broncos, Sanders recorded three consecutive seasons (2014–2016) with at least 1,000 receiving yards. He averaged 13.3 yards per reception during his five-plus seasons with the Broncos before he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers halfway through the 2019 season.

At the age of 32, Sanders kept his production levels up despite dealing with poor quarterback play in Denver and a run-first offense in San Francisco. He finished the 2019 season with 66 receptions for 869 receiving yards and five touchdowns while averaging 13.2 yards per reception.

Fit With The Colts

The Colts have a massive need at wide receiver. They have yet to find a consistent complement to T.Y. Hilton, who is entering the final year of his contract and has been hindered by injuries during the last two seasons. Sanders wouldn’t be the future, of course, but he would give whoever the quarterback is a reliable target.

Despite his size, Sanders has the ability to work on the outside just as much as he does in the slot. He certainly could dominate in the latter, but he spent 702 snaps lined up wide as opposed to 275 snaps in the slot, per Pro Football Focus.

Sanders has been reliable throughout his entire career. He bounced back extremely well from his torn Achilles in 2018 and would be a nice veteran option who brings versatility and playmaking ability to the wide receiver corps.

Price

The price will always be the problem with the Colts. Chris Ballard doesn’t like to overspend in free agency and even though he may have to spend more than usual this offseason, it’s hard to see them offering market value for Sanders.

According to Spotrac’s market value model, Sanders is projected to receive a two-year deal worth $20 million. That’s not a lot of money to spend on a solid WR2 and if that’s the price the Colts should consider it, but it is hard to see Ballard giving that money to a 32-year-old wide receiver—regardless of how productive he has been.

Conclusion

Even despite his age and recent injuries, Sanders would be a fine addition to the Colts offense. He can make big plays, work in multiple positions and give a quarterback a reliable target. The Colts should have their eye on Sanders if he hits the market, especially if his price stays around or below the $10 million mark.

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