The New Orleans Saints made an upgrade to their supporting cast at the wide receiver position. They managed to sign veteran Emmanuel Sanders in free agency to a two-year, $16 million contract with potential to be worth up to $19 million.
There were a few changes to the Saints’ receiving corps beyond the Sanders signing. The team’s No. 2 receiver, Ted Ginn Jr., departed New Orleans for the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, the team did not sign a veteran replacement but signed a few undrafted free agents at this position.
The expectation is the Saints will rely more on Tre’Quan Smith in 2020 following Ginn’s departure. They also have other options including Deonte Harris and Lil’Jordan Humphrey that will look to compete for exapnded roles during the upcoming season, too.
In a league-most 17 regular-season appearances, Sanders totaled 66 receptions, 869 receiving yards, and five touchdowns last season. This production occurred in a complementary role and despite changing teams mid-season.
With that being said, there are three ways Emmanuel Sanders will impact the Saints offense in 2020.