Emmanuel Sanders is a safer bet to sign for Patriots than OBJ
The New England Patriots could use another quality wide receiver, but Odell Beckham Jr is not the one that the team should sign.
The Patriots don’t have a top end receiver on their roster, and they likely won’t for the duration of the 2022 season.
Calls to sign Odell Beckham Jr are warranted–OBJ is a very good receiver, but has been battered by injuries for several years. Sure, seeing “Beckham Jr.” on the back of a Patriots’ jersey would be cool to see, but there is a clear better option for the team to sign, and that’s current free agent Emmanuel Sanders.
Emmanuel Sanders has been one of the most consistent players and receivers since he entered the league in 2010. He’s played for the Steelers, Broncos, 49ers, Saints, and Bills.
While he’s bounced around for years, he’s still proven to be a productive player, and one who stays on the field.
One major advantage that signing Sanders gives the Patriots is his availability. Since he tore his ACL in the Super Bowl, he won’t be ready until later in the league, perhaps not even until the playoffs.
On top of that, it’s not likely that OBJ would immediately be 100% making a return to the field.
Emmanuel Sanders isn’t currently injured and has only missed 5 games the last two seasons.
He also played in 17 games in 2019.
Moreover, Sanders is consistent on the field. From 2019-2021, Sanders’ 17 game average nets him 64 catches, 839 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
Getting that type of production with the overall unknown of the Patriots’ current receiver room would be a huge plus.
Sanders has also played in seven different post seasons, multiple Super Bowls, and has won a Super Bowl as well.
He’s entering his age-35 season, which might be a giant deterrent for some fans, but his production does not match his old age.
Mac Jones would greatly benefit from a savvy veteran like Emmanuel Sanders. The fanbase should turn their attention away from Odell Beckham Jr. and give their attention to Emmanuel Sanders, who has had a longer, more successful, and more durable career.
He isn’t going to cost much to sign at all, and his has experience playing in the AFC East.
This is a no-brainer move that the Patriots should jump on immediately.