METAIRIE, La. The New Orleans Saints are releasing veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders after just one season, while reducing their huge salary tax shortfall, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Sanders, who turns 34 next week, confirmed the move in an Instagram message, saying:
“New Orleans, it really was. Sucks we did not bring a super pickup to town, that was the purpose when I signed, but it was a blessing to show off my talents weekend and week. Where to?
Sanders would earn $ 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 June 1 release.
Sanders caught 61 strokes for 726 yards last season and struck out five in 14 games in the regular season. He got eight more passes for 51 yards in the playoffs.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder has a total of 662 catches 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 in two Pro Bowls and appeared in three Super Bowls – a title with the 2015 Broncos.
The Saints now again have a big gap for a No. 2 receiver along with Michael Thomas. The position will be considered one of their most important outdoor needs, especially as co-receiver Tre’Quan Smith is heading for the final year of his contract.
New Orleans has now released veterans Sanders, punter Thomas Morstead, tighthead Josh Hill and offensive linebacker Nick Easton as they decorate the outside of the season. The Saints are also likely to release linebacker Kwon Alexander, who would pay $ 13.4 million after tearing his Achilles in December.
The Saints started the offseason nearly $ 100 million over the salary cap and reduced the number by about half since Wednesday morning after placing the franchise label on free agent Marcus Williams.