A minor shockwave was sent through the NFL’s orbit when the New Orleans Saints parted with veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders this week, which isn’t too surprising given his reputation as one of the league’s more underrated pass catchers. But between the salary cap savings New Orleans received by cutting him and his inconsistent first year with the team (as well as the expected retirement for Drew Brees, who Sanders signed up to play with), it made sense for both sides to move on.
And the Saints still have seven wide receivers under contract — not counting pending free agents like Tommylee Lewis, Bennie Fowler, and Austin Carr, who could re-sign with the team on veteran’s minimum salaries.