Emmanuel Sanders and Rod Tidwell from "Jerry Maguire" have one very important thing in common. You have to show both of them the money.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders seems to be suffering few ill effects from the big hit he took against the Rams two weeks ago. In fact, Sanders is well on his way to cashing in on several salary escalators in what is easily the best season of his career.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora explained that Sanders, who signed a three-year deal worth $15 million with Denver during the off-season, could earn roughly $1 million or more over the length of the contract.
"For the season, Sanders has 67 catches for 954 yards with seven touchdowns, guaranteeing at least $350,000 ($100K in receptions, $50K in TDs and $200K in yards) in escalators for 2015," La Canfora wrote before Sanders hauled in nine catches for 125 yards against the Miami Dolphins yesterday.
"If he catches at least three balls for 46 yards and one touchdown on Sunday, for instance, then he would trigger at least $550,000 in escalators for next season. Sanders is currently on pace for 107 catches for 1,526 yards and 11 touchdowns, which could amount to $800,000 in those statistical incentives (out of a possible $1 million) and would also put him certainly in contention for an All-Pro selection."
Denver's offense has revolved around Sanders for several long stretches, thanks to injuries at running back. Several teams expressed interest in the 27-year-old receiver in free agency, but a chance to play with Peyton Manning and a championship-caliber offense was too much for Sanders to pass up.
The Broncos will travel to Arrowhead Stadium to play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.
