Raiders Free Agency Target: WR Emmanuel Sanders

Free Agency is right around the corner, and it is about time we start taking a deep dive into the top free agents for the Raiders.

Free Agency is right around the corner, and it is about time we start taking a deep dive into the top free agents for the Raiders. One of the available targets this offseason is Emmanuel Sanders.

Sanders is coming off another productive season where he started off the year with the Denver Broncos. Later, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers and helped transformed the offense into a super bowl contender.

Sanders finished the season with 66 catches, 869 yards and a catch rate of 68%. He was reliable for Jimmy Garoppolo down the stretch giving him big catches in certain situations to help keep the offense efficient. Should the Raider take a chance on the aging veteran?

 

Why They Should Sign Emmanuel Sanders

Sanders is the perfect type of veteran that Jon Gruden loves. Smart, dependable, and savvy as a route runner, Sanders checks all the boxes for what Gruden looks for in a wide receiver. Last year he displayed himself as a considerable mentor for the young 49ers receiving corps, and he could play that role again with the Raiders.

This adds a positive with Sanders because it displays, he is not a selfish player and is willing to help younger receivers grow. The Raiders would be able to bring in a future number one early in the draft while Sanders earns targets early on during the season. This would take the pressure off any wideouts the Raiders select through the draft and allows them to properly develop.

Sanders has played in the west coast offense three of the last five seasons as well. It would be the pristine plug and play player teams like to see in free agency. Gruden wouldn’t have to worry about him picking up the playbook quickly since he has already run those concepts in Denver and San Francisco.

Why They Shouldn’t Sign Emmanuel Sanders

The main issue with Sanders is, of course, his age. Turning 33 before the season starts is going to play a factor in his price tag. Running backs over 30 usually get the most hate in football circles, but most receivers in their 30’s do not fare well on the back end of their career. Only 15 receivers last decade had over 800 receiving yards after the age of 33.

Injuries are a huge concern as well as Sanders has fought off tough injuries the past couple of seasons. As you get older, the wear and tear will always start to build up, and that is a topic Sanders will have to answer during negotiations. While he did end up playing all 16 games this past season, it is still an area of concern when it comes to a player his age.

That’s when price tag comes into the equation and guaranteed money. The Raiders can’t overpay a player like Sanders at his age and must add him to the roster based on the correct value he offers.

Pro Football Focus has Sanders valued around $10 million per year. The Raiders shouldn’t offer more than 8$ and treat the free agent the same way as Jordy Nelson years before.

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