Schlereth: ‘Don’t be mad at Emmanuel Sanders for being honest’

Sure, Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders takes some heat from fans and media, Mark Schlereth said Monday, and “no question,” he deserves some of it.

But don’t fault Sanders for his recent comments to The Athletic, the “Schlereth and Evans” host said, which imply he’s auditioning this season for 31 other teams beside the Broncos.

“Don’t be mad at Emmanuel Sanders for being honest,” Schlereth said.

Sanders told The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala over the weekend he knows his time in Denver could be coming to a close, that his two-year contract is “year-to-year.”

But, the wide receiver said he still has something to “prove,” and if he doesn’t “prove it to the Broncos” he’ll be “proving it to some other team.”

“I don’t worry about what team. I’m working for the Denver Broncos this year, and I’m going to do my best to try to bring a Super Bowl to this city,” Sanders told the publication.

Said Schlereth: “The thing that’s crazy about this business that we’re in, as fans we want our players to be honest right up until the point where they’re honest. And when they’re honest, we’re offended by their honesty. Isn’t that crazy? You cannot win.”

Schlereth said Denver sent a “clear message” with Sanders’ latest contract and how the team’s drafted in the past two years, one that says, “You’re not guaranteed beyond this year.”

According to Spotrac.com, Sanders will make $8.25 million in 2018 and has a dead cap of $12.275 million.

Things change in 2019, however, as the wideout’s salary increases to $10.25 million and his dead cap drops to $2.687 million, leaving room for a possible out with the club.

“Emmanuel Sanders is being honest. He’s essentially telling you, guys, I don’t have a guarantee after this year and, yeah, I want to continue to play,” Schlereth said. “I’m going to go out there and I’m going to perform and I’m going to have laser-like focus on my performance because there are 31 other teams that I’m auditioning for.

“And guys, that’s not a bad thing.”

With extra motivation, Sanders could see an uptick in production. Combine that with Case Keenum under center, a possible middle of the field receiver or tight end, and a running game, Schlereth said the Broncos could “compete for the playoffs.”

“If Emmanuel Sanders is putting up nine touchdowns and 1,100 yards, then good for Emmanuel Sanders,” Schlereth said. “You know what, we’ll pat you on the rump on the way out of the door as you sign with another team. Congratulations.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.