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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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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

1. Carolina Panthers

No quarterback is in more desperate need of a reliable wide receiver than Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton. Devin Funchess and Christian McCaffrey are more dynamic than they are dependable, and Greg Olsen can only do so much from the tight end position.

If Emmanuel Sanders were to end up in Carolina, he’d have an opportunity to stabilize the passing attack—and the entire offense would improve because of his presence.

Funchess has big play ability, but the Panthers need a wide receiver who’s known for their crisp routes. Newton isn’t a perfect player, but without a reliable offensive line, he needs a target who will consistently be where they’re supposed to be.

Sanders certainly fits the bill, as he’s widely regarded as one of the best route runners in the NFL, as well as a player with prolific stamina.

Furthermore, the Panthers offer a unique opportunity for wide receivers to explore their creativity. Newton needs to do a better job of standing tall in the pocket—and the offensive line needs to do a better job of giving him a pocket—but he’s as likely as anyone to throw on the run.

An endless ball of energy who can break off of a route and help a scrambling quarterback, Sanders would be a perfect match with Newton.

Must Read: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Super Bowl Edition

Only time will tell where Emmanuel Sanders will end up next, but there will certainly be suitors for one of the best route runners in the NFL.

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