Source – New Orleans Saints releases WR Emmanuel Sanders

METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints are releasing veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders after just one season as they continue to slash their massive paycheck, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Sanders, who turns 34 next week, confirmed the move in an Instagram post, saying:

“New Orleans, it’s been real. It’s stupid that we didn’t bring a super bowl to town, which was the goal when I signed, but it was a blessing to show off my talents weekend and week out for you guys. #Imafreeagent # Where to now? “

Sanders would make $ 8 million this season, with $ 2 million guaranteed. The Saints will save at least $ 4 million on the salary cap by releasing him – and possibly $ 6 million if they designate it as a release after June 1.

Sanders caught 61 passes for 726 yards and five touchdowns in 14 regular season games last season. He caught another eight passes for 51 yards in the playoffs.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder 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 appeared in three Super Bowls and won a title with the Broncos 2015.

The Saints now have another big void for a No. 2 receiver next to Michael Thomas. The position becomes one of their main off-season needs, especially as fellow receiver Tre’Quan Smith enters the final year of his contract.

New Orleans has now released veterans Sanders, punter Thomas Morstead, tight Josh Hill and offensive lineman Nick Easton while trimming the cap space this off-season. The Saints are also likely to release linebacker Kwon Alexander as he has to pay $ 13.4 million after ripping his Achilles in December.

The Saints started the off-season with nearly $ 100 million above the salary ceiling and had cut that number roughly in half as of Wednesday morning after putting the franchise tag on the safety of free agent Marcus Williams.

Source