METAIRIE, Los Angeles. – The New Orleans Saints release veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders after just one season as they continue to reduce their massive pay cap deficit, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Sanders, who turns 34 next week, confirmed the move in an Instagram post, saying:
“New Orleans has been real. Of course we didn’t bring any super bowls to town, which was the goal when I signed, but it was a blessing to show my talents in front of your weekends and weeks. #Blessingsoblessings #Imafreeagent # Where is the text? “
Sanders was to 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 grabbed 61 passes for 726 yards and five touchdowns in 14 regular-season games last season. He got another eight passes for 51 yards in the playoffs.
The 5-foot 11, 180-pound 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 Saints. He has been selected for two Pro Bowls and has competed in three Super Bowls, winning a title with the 2015 Broncos.
The Saints now have a big gap for a No. 2 receiver alongside Michael Thomas again. The position will be ranked as one of his main needs in the off-season, especially as receptionist Tre’Quan Smith is heading into the final year of his contract.
New Orleans has now released veterans Sanders, pointer Thomas Morstead, tight end Josh Hill and offensive player Nick Easton as he cuts the cover space this offseason. The Saints will likely also release their defender Kwon Alexander, as they owe him $ 13.4 million after breaking his Achilles in December.
The Saints began the low season nearly $ 100 million above the salary cap and had cut that figure by about half as early as Wednesday morning after placing the franchise label on free security agent Marcus Williams .