It is no secret the wide receiving corps for the New England Patriots did not exactly overwhelm on the field in 2013. With youth and injuries dominating the roster, quarterback Tom Brady had very little to work with. However, there was a bright spot in Julian Edelman. With the receiver looking for a pay raise as a free agent, could the Patriots be looking elsewhere for help?
The Patriots will make a move for another wide receiver this offseason and ESPN.com's Mike Reiss believes Emmanuel Sanders could be their top target. The Patriots know exactly what Sanders can bring to the field. The team went after him in 2013, signing him to an offer sheet that was matched by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now officially an unrestricted free agent, the Patriots appear to once again be interested in his abilities.
Sanders has only gotten better since being drafted back in 2010. Last season he put up 740 yards and six touchdowns on 67 catches. Gary Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Steelers are not likely looking to re-sign Sanders, instead being content on letting him hit the market. With Edelman's return on the fritz, there is a solid chance that Sanders is the option for New England.
The issue will be money. The only reason Edelman is prepared to walk away from the Patriots is because owner Robert Kraft is being very cautious with money spending. The owner has made it known he will not overspend on free agency this offseason. Edelman played last year on a discounted contract of just over $1 million. He wants big money and there are teams willing to give it to him. Sanders is looking for the same thing. Fresh off his rookie contract, the receiver is ready to get a big deal, something New England might not offer.
Both the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens are interested in signing Edelman once free agency begins. He will be one of the more highly sought after wide receivers this offseason which will drive up his contract value. The Patriots could simply be outbid for Edelman.
New England has several decisions to make before they can even consider giving Sanders an offer. Aqib Talib would like a new contract. Vince Wilfork is ready for a new deal. Wide receiver Danny Amendola may or may not need to be released to help the salary cap. Once the team works through other decisions, a wide receiver will be the top priority whether it is Edelman or someone else.
