Emmanuel Sanders Joins Mile High Club

Out with Eric Decker, in with Emmanuel Sanders. Sanders signed with the Broncos Saturday evening and details of the contract have not yet been released (as of this writing).

Denver wasted no time adding a vertical threat to replace the void left by free agent Eric Decker. Sanders will battle for WR3 duties behind Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker but for 2014, it’s far more likely veteran Andre Caldwell, just recently re-signed himself, will slide into the role. Sanders put together his best season as a pro in 2013, amassing 67 receptions for 740 yards and six touchdowns. The diminutive receiver is best suited as a vertical weapon as well as stretching the width of the field and was a speed complement to Antonio Brown in Pittsburgh. Fantasy owners of Sanders should rejoice over the signing as he’s likely to carry more value than he would as a New York Jet or Jacksonville Jaguar.

Let’s take a quick look at the players involved by his signing:

Emmanuel Sanders, WR DEN

Before getting too excited, fantasy owners should temper their expectations. At least until there exists reasons not to do so. Eric Decker presented a big target and did much of his work in the red zone where he could utilize his size to his advantage, on the receiving end of precise balls from Peyton Manning. At 5’11″/180 lbs., Sanders won’t get many of those same opportunities. Secondly, carrying hardware in each foot and being undersized, Sanders holds injury risk that cannot be ignored. On the positive side, any receiver with dynamic can experience a great deal of success in an offense led by the older Manning brother. And to be sure, Sanders does carry a speed dynamic that will pressure opposing defenses.

At the end of the day, this is a positive step for Sanders and the Broncos. He’ll get a bump in fantasy value and could eclipse his 2013 totals eventually. Look for Denver to involve him early in four receiver sets as chemistry is developed. Veteran receiver Andre Caldwell is best in a possession role and offers a different skill-set than does Sanders. Initially, I expect Sanders to receive less targets but higher quality receptions. Expanded usage will depend on production and offensive flow. The speed offered now by the Broncos’ receivers collectively will be impressive

Demaryius Thomas, WR DEN

One could look at the impact to Thomas one of two ways. First, the absence of the bigger body in Decker will likely curse Thomas to a greater number of double-teams. Sanders won’t command the red zone attention that Decker did nor should his route specialty be similar. Secondly, as the sole remaining big receiver, it’s quite possible, likely even, that Thomas’ red zone targets will increase. What we know about Thomas is that his size and speed dynamic are too great for any single change at receiver to overly impact his production in a negative way. He’s going to get his receptions and he’ll undoubtedly be the WR1 alone in the offense. His value should modestly increase.

Wes Welker, WR DEN

Little change to the aging Welker. Manning’s safety blanket works underneath and parallel to the line of scrimmage in many cases and should remain comfortably in that role. You can expect a greater number of crossing routes between both he and Sanders in order to confuse opposing secondaries. Concern for Welker should exist squarely upon his age (33 when 2014 kicks off) rather than the signing of Sanders.

Andre Caldwell, WR DEN

Caldwell was a deeper sleeper selection of mine in 2013 due to the presence of Manning. In the end, the big three receivers did all the work which left little for Caldwell to mop up. His 16 receptions for 200 yards and three touchdowns fell well short of expectation. Even moreso when considering the fact that two of those touchdowns, six receptions and 59 yards came during the Week 15 tilt vs. San Diego. He just didn’t factor. As a veteran receiver in a Manning offense, given the developed chemistry now over a complete season, expect Caldwell to well surpass his 2013 totals. We’re not shooting the moon with expectations here, but he’s more than worthy for a roster stash in deeper leagues.

Other Denver Receivers

Trindon Holliday, Jordan Norwood, Nathan Palmer, Gerrell Robinson or Greg Wilson. Take your pick as to which of these players will secure one or two spots beyond the top four. Holliday is likely a lock due to his special teams ability, leaving the rest to fight it out for a WR6 role, if one is even kept.

Antonio Brown, WR PIT

Little to no impact on Brown as his style of play and role within the offense gets the prolific PPR receiver the ball. He’ll continue to be a valuable WR2+ in fantasy, especially those rewarding receptions. He’ll flirt with triple digits receptions once again in 2014 as long as he remains healthy.

Markus Wheaton, WR PIT

Much more was expected from Wheaton in 2013. Despite the seemingly good amount of opportunity, the rookie struggled managing only six receptions for 64 yards. Now with a full year of play under his belt and Emmanuel Sanders no longer in the picture, Wheaton should have little trouble sliding into the WR2 role as long as the Steelers aren’t looking for a more experienced receiver as competition, which is quite likely the case. With Wheaton resembling fellow receiver Antonio Brown to at least some degree in play-style, the Steelers will likely need to target a player of red-zone size via free agency or the draft. For Wheaton, however, 2014 should represent a prime opportunity to make good on what 2013 could have been.

Jerricho Cotchery, WR FA

With the door now closed on the Sanders returning to Pittsburgh, expect the Steelers to more aggressively pursue Cotchery in free agency. 2013 saw a resurgence for the bigger receiver, pulling down 46 receptions, 602 yards and ten touchdowns. He plays much larger than his 6’1″ size and complements Antonio Brown well. No word on whether contract discussions have picked up with Cotchery, but if you listen closely you can hear his phone ringing. At 32 years of age when 2014 kicks off, he’ll likely have to settle for a one year deal. Losing both Sanders and Cotchery should spell major concern for Pittsburgh faithful.

Follow me on Twitter: @DLF_Jeff

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Jeff Haverlack

Co-Founder at Dynasty League Football

Appreciative husband and proud father who poorly attempts to balance family life with his passion for creating the largest, most helpful and most impactful fantasy community on the planet! DLF was created for the community and we're committed to each member within it! Hope anyone playing this great game will call DLF home in some way!

You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff

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