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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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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 16: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the bench during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 16: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the bench during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

4. Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have one of the better wide receivers in the NFL in four-time Pro Bowler T.Y. Hilton. When the lone reliable target in the passing game stands at 5’9″, however, it’s time to get the quarterback a second option.

If Andrew Luck can get back to 100 percent, giving him a combination of Hilton and Emmanuel Sanders would expedite his return to form.

Sanders isn’t the biggest player, either, but pairing him with Hilton would at least give Luck diversity in the passing attack. He can go over the top to his speedy wideout in Hilton, or he can move the chains with Sanders in the intermediate game.

Sanders produced at least 50 first downs in every season between 2014 and 2016, and 63.8 percent of his receptions did the same in his 2017 down year.

The reality for Indianapolis is that it needs to alleviate pressure from Luck this offseason. The primary focus should be bolstering the offensive line and solidifying the run game, but adding Sanders would mean giving Luck options he’s been without for far too long.

Throw in the expected hiring of Josh McDaniels as head coach, and the Colts have every reason to invest more in the passing attack.

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