With The First Pick
Fansided

NFL Free Agency Rumors: Five teams that should pursue Emmanuel Sanders

By Maxwell Ogden

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders #10 of the Denver Broncos scores a second quarter six yard touchdown on a pass play against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders #10 of the Denver Broncos scores a second quarter six yard touchdown on a pass play against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 10: A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball after a reception against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 10: A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball after a reception against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have a Hall of Fame bound wide receiver in A.J. Green. Regardless of who’s under center, how solid the offensive line is, and which offensive coordinator is making questionable decisions, Green effortlessly produces 1,000-yard seasons.

If the Bengals are ever going to make the leap under Marvin Lewis’ watch, however, they must alleviate pressure from Green with a viable second option.

Despite the presence of a Hall of Fame talent at wide receiver, Cincinnati ranked No. 25 in the NFL in passing yards and No. 22 in yards per attempt. Brandon LaFell was second on the team in receptions (52) and receiving yards (548), but he’s proven unreliable.

An outstanding route runner who’s capable of making spectacular catches, Sanders would simplify the game for the Bengals’ stagnant offense.

Sanders is a versatile wide receiver in the sense that he can move the chains, find openings in the red zone, or make plays over the top. He’s 30 years of age, and may not be as effective in the latter category, but the Bengals have a closing window and a quarterback who needs help.

Cincinnati has been spending draft picks on wide receivers, but to no avail. Sanders can fill the glaring void of a dependable No. 2 wide receiver.

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