Could Emmanuel Sanders Be Cut?
February 25th, 2017
Now Joe is playing hopscotch here but stranger things have happened (you know, like a Bucs coach actually thinking Stewart McClown was a playoff quarterback?).
Clearly, we all know the Bucs need a receiver and worse, a speedy receiver. If the Bucs added three talented receivers this offseason, it wouldn’t shock Joe. Really.
As Joe has documented, DVR’ing PFT Live on NBC Sports Network weekday mornings, hosted by the creator, curator and overall guru of Pro Football Talk, the great Mike Florio, is a smart move.
In between slugs of Peet’s Coffee Big Bang, Joe heard Florio this week talk about how field-stretching Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders allegedly blew off a practice by telling coaches he had to be at the birth of his son. Instead, his estranged wife claims Sanders went out partying.
Hey, can’t a guy down a few shots with his boys celebrating the birth of his son?
Indeed, TMZ dug up Sanders’ wife’s divorce filings and found the claim, among many other juicy tidbits. Sanders’ estranged wife also hints he had girlfriend problems as well, or as Florio coined (Joe’s new favorite phrase), “widespread adultery.”
Florio speculated on PFT Live this might be a way for the Broncos to get out from under a heavy contract. If the Broncos suspend Sanders for conning coaches (allegedly), that would void Sanders’ guaranteed cash of $6.75 million this season.
Now if all of this plays out, a much more reliable version of DeSean Jackson becomes available. Sanders, who will turn 30 on St. Patrick’s Day, has missed a grand total of one game the past five seasons. Jackson, 30, has missed 13 games the past five years.
Sanders also returns kicks and punts.
Yes, all of this may be a complete pipe dream. It is also fair to ask if a guy (allegedly) would hoodwink his coaches in order to hit the bars under the guise of being present at the birth of his son, and his soon-to-be ex-wife claims in court papers Sanders is dealing with sidechicks issues, why would you want that kind of clown in your locker room? Again, fair question.
But as Florio might say, this situation bears monitoring.
February 25th, 2017 at 1:37 am
Things that make you go hmmm😕.
February 25th, 2017 at 1:45 am
This would be intriguing and far better that DJ or PG….I still like Stills as on 25 with three years in the league…
February 25th, 2017 at 3:25 am
Bucs are well on the way towards building something special here in Tampa Bay. Your question Joe “why would you want that kind of clown in your locker room?” pretty much says it all IF those allegations have any truth in them. If not, then he’ll probably stay a Bronco.
February 25th, 2017 at 3:34 am
Sanders sounds like a piece of sh!t. We don’t need to employ turds like that.
February 25th, 2017 at 6:10 am
Anyone know what’s the word on Josh Gordon, can we trade a pick if he’s reinstated, he’s in the last year of a 2nd round rookie deal, I’d say a 4-5 rounder should be able to pry him free, and a lot cheaper than if he’s a FA, and way more potential than any 4-5 rounder in ANY draft, if he pans out look out, but I get the feeling this looks like a Patriots move, you know a championship type move, a type of move Bucs don’t make too much b!tching about his past to take a chance on his future
February 25th, 2017 at 6:26 am
So what he is a player!!! He properly got it from his daddy!
February 25th, 2017 at 6:34 am
Guzzie
Not a chance bro, Glazers most definitely will not support that.
February 25th, 2017 at 6:35 am
So we’re running to pick up the guy who potentially is cut for character reasons?
February 25th, 2017 at 6:45 am
Hey Joe so out of all the “BIG NAME” free agents,Berry(Expected To Be),Poe,Victor Cruz,Tolbert,A.P.(ETB),Campbell,Stills,Glennon,Gholston(ETB),Verner…how many of those do you think the Bucs will be interested in,bring in, sign, or are unrealistic?
February 25th, 2017 at 6:51 am
Have you seen Gordon play? If you think you can get a better 4th round receiver the Gordon you are smoking some of Gordon’s weed!! The reason I threw out he’s on his ROOKIE contract, is he’s cheap, and if he can stay on the field, I know it’s a big IF, if the Browns release him, he’s going to get more money than his rookie contract pays him, of course it’s going to be incentive laden, protected versus suspension, but if he gets suspended he doesn’t get get paid anyways, seriously what’s the risk to the Bucs, he’s 26, and never had a strong locker room like the Bucs are building, he screws up, big deal he won’t get paid, I’m saying get other guys too, open your mind to the possibilities having Evans on onside and Josh Gordon on the other
February 25th, 2017 at 6:59 am
Another thing, Josh Gordon has never been in trouble with the law, not ever, in 5 years Mary Jane is going to be legal in the NFL, bout the time Josh Gordon and 45 year old Tom Brady win there 3rd championship together, heck Licht spent a 2nd and 4th on a kicker, can’t spend a 4th on a guy that smokes some weed
February 25th, 2017 at 7:00 am
@Guzzie
Don’t think Licht or the Glazers would be interested in giving up a draft pick for a guy coming off a year long suspension. If they are really interested in Josh Gordon then they would sign him when (if?) the Browns cut him. Money to spend isnt an issue for them.
February 25th, 2017 at 7:18 am
Gordon had 1600 yards with Brian Hoyer at QB plus no running game and no other weapons, add Evans on the other side, JW throwing him the ball, that isn’t worth a 4th rounder, he gets released he’s going to get paid by someone
February 25th, 2017 at 7:33 am
I do not want a boy with such a deplorable character on Tampa Bays roster.
February 25th, 2017 at 7:42 am
I like that idea Guzzie. I’ve thought about that myself. I’m sure Licht isn’t leaving any stone unturned in his quest to get our team a Super Bowl. I’m sure he’s on their trail to see what’s going to be done with Gordon. We might just see Josh in pewter if he’s reinstated.
February 25th, 2017 at 8:01 am
Guzzie, i dont know his status but im with you on Gordon.. the bills are gonna cut their “pro bowl” DT Kyle Williams, hes a monster… bucs need some edge on the team
February 25th, 2017 at 8:09 am
Bring in some bad boys GMC and the rest of the hold over choir boys are proven losers.
February 25th, 2017 at 8:10 am
This is exactly why I do not get excited about FA’s!!! The vast majority are tainted for one reason or another and they are never FREE!
Why do NFL players become FA’s? Why would their teams let them walk? There is always a reason. Occasionally a player is a cap casualty. Perhaps his team has overspent in the past…perhaps they have a star QB in his prime knocking down elephant $$$…and occasionally a draft pick on a cheap contract simply outplays the tenured player….all of these are reasons an FA MIGHT work out.
These players are rarely stars…generally the best FA’s are complementary pieces who can still play well but are not genuine difference makers. Look in our division…I thought the Falcons scored well with Mack and Sanu…two guys who contributed well…I would say the same thing about Grimes and Ayers for the Bucs.
Mostly though guys are allowed to walk because their present teams simply do not see the value in the price the agent is requesting…or worst of all…the player are not good in the locker room.
Our team chemistry is great right now. I think #3…Kwon…and DK and Smitty have a good handle on that but why mess with it? It’s just like the lust to sign punks like Incognito and Hardy..why do it when there are plenty of talented players who are not cancerous.
It seems pretty obvious if the Broncos let this guy walk they’ve come to the conclusion that he’s simply not worth it. I do not want to take players other teams have given up on.
The ONLY reason I would accept an FA is if there are cap issues for the current team or they happened to get lucky and have a young dude on a rookie contract make the veteran expendable.
February 25th, 2017 at 8:12 am
Tmax
Dude you are rooting for the wrong team. You need to be an Oakland Raider fan!
February 25th, 2017 at 8:18 am
StPete
I want a winner the rest is just PC BS these guys are athletes first entertainers second they are not here to raise people’s kids or set examples they are PAID to Win. All gmc and the rest of the failed choir boy expirement has done is teach kids losing and not giving your best is acceptable that is hardly a positive message
February 25th, 2017 at 8:20 am
Pay Terrell Pryor and then draft DeDe Westbrook…
February 25th, 2017 at 8:31 am
Imagine sanders and stills or jackson. Wow!
February 25th, 2017 at 8:47 am
Character issues.
February 25th, 2017 at 8:55 am
TMAXCON… RIGHT ON…. get some edge on this team hopefully in 2017 GMC is in the background never giving his lamO speeches before a game again
February 25th, 2017 at 8:57 am
I must admit, I’m starting to like the idea of Pryor in a Bucs uniform. The thought of what our WR coach could do with him is very intriguing. I also like high character guys and Pryor seems to be a hardworking good guy that won’t have off the field issues.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:29 am
Pryor is going to be franchised if he isn’t resigned before the franchise tag deadline March 1st
February 25th, 2017 at 9:30 am
tmaxcon…I’m starting to 2nd that. It seems every other day Joe puts up an article on some player that might have a few tangles here and there. Then Good Guy Patrol comes in and says : “I don’t want this locker room cancer here in Tampa.” Well we had “locker room cancers” recently and they were pretty damn good players. Had a “winning” season while they were here too in 2010. Blount and Talib. Most Buc fans said good riddance. Not me.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:33 am
I don’t know his current status or whether or not he’ll ever overcome his insatiable thirst for the Green maiden. But Guzzie Josh Gordan is hands down the best prospect at WR PERIOD No player entering free agency or the draft can match his playmaking ability. He one those dudes that make even the highest level of the NFL look easy. Same way Randy use to
February 25th, 2017 at 9:34 am
“It’s just like the lust to sign punks like Incognito”
StPete…Incognito turned in a Pro Bowl season after he could have been had for a dollar. No complaints from his new team either. I get your point, but bad example.
You’re dayum right I wanted Incognito!
February 25th, 2017 at 9:39 am
Tmax and 87 I mention this a week or so ago. I asked a question,how many of them cheered whenever Michael Pittman scored a touchdown. I never got a response. This is a concern of mines about our team. Weeks ago I made a comment about wanting to see some dreads and gold teeth on this team not to sound racist but to know our brass does not pass up certain players because they look like potential bad apples from they’re appearance. I then admitted I cheered everytime Pittman scored a TD.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:44 am
Two things tho Licht has stated “you don’t have to be a choir boy to play for us” and when we check Koetter’s history as a college HC you quickly see he didn’t shy away from so called bad apples as long as they could play. Guess we’ll see over time. If you ask me what’s more important a championship or lockerroom chemistry I think you’ll know my answer without saying anything everytime.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:45 am
Joe, Lovie sucked as a coach but why do you keep criticizing him for starting McCown. He had two garbage QBs and had to go with one of them. Now if he had been starting with a decent QB on the bench I would agree with you.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:47 am
I’ve been patiently awaiting talkin ishh to alot of my peers for a long time. Screw that kum-bai-ya s@$! I’m ready to give it some people. And trust me they know I’m like Ali when I go inn taking noise so they feeling a little antsy these days.
February 25th, 2017 at 9:57 am
I only bring up Gordon because I read one of those “battle plans” from pewreport, one of them suggested it along with drafting 2 receivers and signing another in free agency, it’s all about risk out weighing reward, of course Debbie Downers would get there undies in a wad, but I don’t care about them, I’m posing a serious question, and did a little research, last thing mentioned about Gordon was Oct 30, he completed a 30 day rehab, Gordon would’ve be eligible Nov 5th if he didn’t go into rehab, now it’s at Goodells discretion as to IF Gordon gets reinstated, I did read his contract, which is still his rookie, can be traded, I know how frustrating Tarnard Jackson was for us, and the WE Blackmon (top 5) pick from Jacksonville never made it back, but those guys both were on more than weed, who knows
February 25th, 2017 at 10:07 am
We already tried filling our WR corps with choir boy, undrafted, waiver wire, late round, washed up old guy, CFL, lounge player, injury prone, waiting on injured player, medical courier, I’m sure I missed something, why not think outside the box and try a starting caliber free agent or 2, trade for troubled superstar talent level (Gordon), draft a talented young receiver before the 4th round or 2, I know it looks complicated Mr Licht
February 25th, 2017 at 10:13 am
One last thing for all the Debbie Downer crew, Gordon doesn’t get PAID unless he PLAYS
February 25th, 2017 at 10:34 am
But if there is a chance Gordon doesn’t play then what is the point? For it to look good on paper? Lol
February 25th, 2017 at 11:46 am
What I find ridiculous is that the ACTION of “widespread adultery” is fully acceptable in today’s day and age but the mere BELIEFS or WORDS people say are jumped on by the media and turned into a massive deal.
I doubt anyone in the press will write an article about how destructive Sanders “widespread adultery” was to his wife and family and what a horrible example it sets for young men and women in this country …
The world is a hypocritical, non-sensical and idiotic place.
February 25th, 2017 at 11:49 am
It’s like the whole Clippers fiasco … Donald Sterling had his team taken from him and was given a lifetime ban by the NBA because he SAID and perhaps THOUGHT something that wasn’t politically correct … yet Blake Griffin PHYSICALLY ATTACKED a staff member and put him n the hospital and got a slap on the wrist. I don’t know what kind of stupid someone has to be to think that words/thoughts deserve more punishment than actual actions that result in someone being hospitalized.
February 25th, 2017 at 11:50 am
And so TMAX…Dusty and 87….is #3 a jackwagon…a bad dude…or is he a good guy?
You do not have to be a prickk to play with an edge. DB55 is a nice guy with class…the polar opposite of Warren the jerk Sapp. Ronde…WD…Alstott..Lynch…which of these guys were aaaholes? NONE.
Prove my point!!! You do not need to be a jerk to be a good football player.
TO is not in the HOF not because he was a jerk or did bad stuff off the field…but because of what he did to team chemistry.
Jay Cutler….especially Jeff George were talented QB’s who messed with their teams chemistry.
NE is the ONLY team I can think of right now who seems to be able to manage problem children because of the combo of Belicheat and Brady…two of the most no nonsense guys in the sport…and even look there…why isn’t Talib still in NE?
Does he not have talent? Did he not play well in NE? Why did Blount get sent packing after an incredible post season performance…yet Belicheat still showed him the door and then brought him back with his tail between his legs.
Man you guys have SHORT memories!!! Does anybody here doubt K Winslow’s talent? Why was he bad for this team? Because of his freaking me first attitude which ended up making JFro force passes in his direction!!! Can you say T.O.?
February 25th, 2017 at 12:15 pm
$6.75 million for a Pro Bowl WR is a bargain. It don’t make sense to cut him, John Elway isn’t that dumb. It’s not that simple to replace a Emmanuel Sanders. A 1/3 of his contract was in the signing bonus, the remaining money is below market value. It’s not like he went out and rob someone…he didn’t commit any crime, not even a misdemeanor.
February 25th, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Stpetebucsfan ….my Gawd this long rant and only if you would’ve understood my point to begin with. This is what I have to deal with I guess. lol
No one is saying bring the nasty in this case.
What I’m saying is, don’t let the nasty deter you from bringing the guy in. You can bring up all the past failures like Winslow and what not, but you act as if it’s always going to BE the case. How do YOU know? Judgemental much?
Like I told you with Incognito. SOME team IS going to sign him. I think your answer was. I don’t want it to be our team. Keyshawn and Sapp were dicks, but they could play there asses off. I have a feeling we don’t have a trophy without them. We traded for Meshawn not because of his attitude, but because we wanted a trophy. The same reason we kept Sapp around.
You don’t let past transgressions hold you back from improving your team in less of course they are unspeakable acts or you are the Ravens.
February 25th, 2017 at 1:21 pm
John Elway didn’t cut Aqib Talib and his bullet-ridden leg. Now why on Earth would he cut Emmanuel Sanders?
February 25th, 2017 at 1:53 pm
Guzzie ME and Josh would make for the leagues most dynamic duo. Josh proved a little time away from the league did nothing to hamper his game. Keep projecting that thought from your mind bro. I wouldn’t be mad at all if it came to fruition. Matter of fact I’d be giddy as s@$!.
February 25th, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Guzzie, a perennial threat to be suspended every year doesnt detour you? How about the DUI in Raleigh while he was suspended? This guy is probably done in the league if he wasn’t playing for a clown show like Cleveland. If this guy doesnt wind up living on the streets when hes forty, I’ll be surprised.
February 25th, 2017 at 2:48 pm
Nole I woukd expect more common sense from you. This guy’s worse than Doug Martin. St least Doug had two good years sandwiched around injuries and one suspension. Gordons had one good year ( in which he missed the first few games due to suspension), sandwiched around every year being suspended. The guy is a train wreck.
February 25th, 2017 at 2:50 pm
I am 100% in favor of the Bucs signing Josh Gordon, 100%!!!!!!!
February 25th, 2017 at 2:53 pm
St Pete, there are bad teammates littered in the HOF. Who’s more of a disgrace to the HOF, LT and his child prostitues and numerous crack offenses or TO? Ray Lewis and his missing white suit, covered in blood from two murders? L out frigging loud at the HOF for being snooty towards TO.
February 25th, 2017 at 2:55 pm
You are s 100% nut then like ypur name applys. When will Josh suit up for a full sesson? Do you really want to throw away money to guy who is never on the field. You think Johnny Manziels a joke? This guy’s worse than than him.
February 25th, 2017 at 3:03 pm
He’s missed almost three years to suspensions, smh.
February 25th, 2017 at 3:46 pm
Chris …
#1 Gordon was DOMINANT when he played … he is nothing like Manziel “on the field”.
#2 I’m not saying to sign him OVER another WR Tampa can depend on. I’m simply saying that if Tampa can get him cheap on a one-year “prove it” contract, I personally think they would be insane to pass up the chance as if Gordon does get his head screwed on tight, he and Mike Evans could form the greatest 1-2 WR punch in NFL history!
February 25th, 2017 at 4:41 pm
@NFLNut I agree. I would be more than pleased if we sign Gordon to a prove it deal. As mentioned, there’s really no risk, If he gets popped again, we don’t have to pay him a dime.
If we sign him to compete for a spot, and he succeeds? Then we get a game-changing baller, who when last he played, was a dominant force.
February 25th, 2017 at 10:07 pm
Lakeland:
You can’t be this dumb. Elway won’t cut Sanders because the guy keeps buying estates for his girlfriends. It’s because he conned coaches to get out of practice so he could go get hammered.
February 25th, 2017 at 10:31 pm
I’m not dumb enough to listen to an ” estranged wife” making accusation about her husband. Did she sell her story to TMZ? The day John Elway cut Emmanuel Sanders for this trash, is the day I quit watching football.
February 25th, 2017 at 10:35 pm
He may trade him..but I doubt if he outright cut him.
February 25th, 2017 at 11:18 pm
In her initial petition Gabriella also asked for child support and requested a ‘disproportionate share’ of their assets, attributing the cause of the divorce to Emmanuel.
Who in their right state of mind will believe anything that this “Gold Digger” say?
February 25th, 2017 at 11:54 pm
Court papers. All in the link above. Of course, Joe explained this in the story you apparently didn’t read.
February 26th, 2017 at 12:03 am
Sanders was excused for practice on Nov. 21 for the “pending birth of his child.” The daughter, Zoie, was not born until December. The Broncos have not confirmed if Zoie arrived later than expected or if Sanders lied to get out of practice.
Whatever his reason was, Sanders skipping practice did not negatively impact his performance on the field. The 29-year-old speedster caught seven passes for 162 yards and a touchdown in a 30-27 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs later that week.
She filed for divorce on October 25 and was granted a restraining order, but the couple were together in December for daughter Zoie’s birth
She claimed he lied to get out of a November 21 morning practice, after coming off a bye week. This was close to a month after she filed for a divorce. She probably call him and told him that she was experiencing some labor pains, then he called the Broncos and ask for the day off. He was present at the actual birth of their daughter in December….All of this is suspect, to say the least.
February 26th, 2017 at 7:47 pm
Tmax, your post about athletes being entertainers and not here to raise people’s kids is off. No other person is expected to raise a parent’s kids but these athletes are role models. That is not a choice by the athlete. It should be an honor. I remember emulating Randy Moss’s moon TD move and the Icky Shuffle when I was younger. The character of a player matters. Nobody is asking them to be choir boys or not make mistakes, but at the same time the athletes with reckless lifestyles are viewed, emulated and idolized by children of all ages as are the positive role models. This is true especially in the most popular sport in our country. NFL players do not get to choose to be a role model, they are thrust into it. It comes with the territory as do boatloads of women and boatloads of money.