Expert Urges Bears To Sign Emmanuel Sanders, Here’s Why

In case you haven't heard, the Chicago Bears have a wide receiver problem. The severity depends on who you talk to. Some experts think the depth behind Darnell Mooney is concerning. Others think Justin Fields is practically throwing to high school waterboys. Whichever side they fall on, the overarching message is the same. The Bears need more firepower. What they have isn't going to intimidate anybody once the regular season starts. So what about Emmanuel Sanders? Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus evaluated the landscape of the NFL going into training camp. He determined one more move every team should make before the pads go on next month. For the Bears it is signing the 13-year veteran receiver.

"CHICAGO BEARS: SIGN WR EMMANUEL SANDERS The Bears are dead last in Ben Linsey's wide receiver corps rankings. Sanders is no longer in the prime of his career at 35 years old, but he would help solidify the unit for second-year quarterback Justin Fields."

It makes some sense on the surface. Sanders is a two-time Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl ring. He has averaged just shy of 700 yards each of the past two seasons. His cost isn't likely to be high, either. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Every-Emmanuel-Sanders-Catch-From-2-TD-Game-NFL-2021-Highlights.mp4"][/video]

Emmanuel Sanders isn't what he was but it may bring stability.

Right now, the Bears can't be sure what their depth situation is like. Darnell Mooney should be good this year. Byron Pringle had a decent season in 2021, but that was with the advantages of playing in Kansas City. Velus Jones is a rookie. After that, it's guys like Equanimeous St. Brown, Dante Pettis, David Moore, and Tajae Sharpe. With respect, Sanders is better than all of them. Even at his advanced age. The issue comes from two directions. GM Ryan Poles has avoided signing older players this off-season. He's trying to focus on developing younger guys. Emmanuel Sanders doesn't fit that profile. At the same time, the receiver himself may not have any desire to join the Bears. He's at that point in his career where he is chasing that elusive second ring. Look at the teams he signed with over the past three seasons: San Francisco, New Orleans, and Buffalo. All contenders. The Bears are not that. So either he would have to be more interested in joining a team to play since his options are low, or the Bears have to offer enough money to entice him. Neither seems like a strong possibility. However, it is worth noting the team employs Tyke Tolbert as their wide receivers coach. He has strong ties to Sanders from their time together in Denver, where they won a championship.