Emmanuel Sanders Contract: Latest News, Rumors on WR's Negotiations with Broncos

Denver Broncos general manager John Elway said June 1 long-term contract negotiations with wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders have begun.

Continue for updates.

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Elway Reportedly Hopeful on New Deal

Monday, Aug. 1

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported that Elway thinks he can lock up Sanders to a new deal, though sides are still far apart regarding guaranteed money:

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Sanders Comments on Contract Talks

Thursday, July 28

Sanders said his reps and the Broncos "are going back and forth" in contract talks, per Mike Klis of 9News.

Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post provided expanded comments from Sanders on his wish to stay in Denver:

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It’s not frustrating. It’s actually a blessing. We’re talking millions and millions of dollars that I can earn just by the game that I love. At the end of the day, I’m looking forward to it, but I know you guys want to know the answers to that, where are we at.

We’re trying to find that middle ground of saying, you know what, this is a fair deal for me and for the Denver Broncos. I said it from Day 1 — I’m not trying to break the bank. I want to be here. But I also want a fair deal and I want a fair deal for the production I’ve been putting out, so we’ll see how it goes.

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Sanders told the Denver Post's Troy Renck on July 11 he is "not worried" about his contract status.

"Obviously, my heart is in Denver; this city has been so good to me beyond what I can explain," said Sanders when speaking with Rod Mackey of 9News on June 9 (via Klis). Sanders continued:

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I don't want to go anywhere. I've expressed that to (general manager John) Elway. It's all about just getting the right number. I pray that they do come to the right number. I think I've given my heart to this city. I've never left anything on the field.

"

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Elway Comments on Broncos' Negotiations with Sanders

Wednesday, July 27

Elway told reporters the team is "still talking" to Sanders' representatives and that the Broncos would still like to get him under a new contract before the start of the season.

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Sanders and Broncos' Contract Discussions Stall

Wednesday, July 6

Contract talks between Sanders and the Broncos "have been put on hold," according to Klis.

Renck had reported July 2 the Broncos "had good talks" with Sanders but added that "recent [wide receiver] contracts have changed the landscape a bit."

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Sanders Has Emerged as Central Component of Broncos Offense

Sanders, 29, has spent the last two seasons in Denver after coming over from the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014. He's due a $5.6 million base salary in 2016, the final year of his $15 million contract.

That deal has been among the greatest bargains in football, as Sanders has emerged as one of the NFL's best No. 2 receivers. Sanders made his first Pro Bowl team in 2014, posting 101 receptions for 1,404 yards and nine touchdowns.

The struggles of Denver's offense trickled down to Sanders last season, but he still hauled in 76 catches for 1,135 yards and six scores. After being one of football's best offenses since acquiring Peyton Manning, Denver took a step back in 2015 as the future Hall of Famer's body broke down. Manning retired after leading the Broncos' Super Bowl charge, and the team acquired Mark Sanchez and rookie Paxton Lynch as his replacements.

The Broncos will likely have to pay a premium to keep Sanders around. He entered the league as a third-round pick in 2010 and has been playing on a deal well below market value. After making about $15 million in the first six seasons of his career, Sanders will command more than that in pure guarantees in his next deal.

With Demaryius Thomas already locked up, getting Sanders under team control will go a long way toward making Lynch's NFL transition smoother.