DENVER — On Oct. 10, Broncos general manager John Elway explained he wasn't looking to trade any players. Then Denver faceplanted against Kansas City, falling to 2-5 and dangerously close to playoff extinction.
With the Broncos fading out of contention, the Broncos are open to listening to trade offers for receiver Emmanuel Sanders, per sources. They are also expected to continue receiving calls about cornerback Chris Harris Jr. However, Sanders, 32, remains the most likely to move, mirroring a situation that led to Demaryius Thomas' exit a year ago.
There are multiple teams seeking a receiver or in a need of one, including the 49ers, Panthers, Eagles and Patriots. The Broncos landed a fourth-round pick for Thomas last season. Sanders, who will be a free agent at season's end, could command a third if competition for his services intensifies. Sanders underwent ankle and Achilles surgeries last offseason, but returned without missing a game. After a fast start this season, his production has diminished.
Sanders owns 30 catches for 367 yards and two touchdowns, but has seven catches for 69 yards over the past three weeks, missing half of the Titans game with a knee issue. He has expressed his frustration in recent weeks with his diminished targets. Courtland Sutton, statistically, is the team's No. 1 receiver with 36 catches for 564 yards and three scores. Moving Sanders could create additional playing time for DaeSean Hamilton, who has had disappointing sophomore season, Fred Brown and Juwann Winfree.
Sanders has been one of the team's best players since his arrival in 2014, posting three 1,000-yard seasons and a career-high nine scores in 2014.
"He is one of my favorite teammates ever," former Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall told Denver7 on Sunday. "His passion and competitiveness are contagious. He's a great locker room guy and just fun to be around."
Harris could be a fit in multiple places, including Philadephia. His situation is a little different because the Broncos lack depth at cornerback and would not be freeing space for a young player if he's dealt.
