Emmanuel Sanders Reportedly Gets Offer From Patriots

Restricted free agents rarely move around in the NFL. In fact, one has not switched teams in two years.

• But that could change fast.

Pittsburgh Steelers restricted free agent Emmanuel Sanders visited with the New England Patriots today and according to several reports, he has received an offer.

As a restricted free agent the Steelers would have the right to match any offer for Emmanuel Sanders, but their salary cap situation might preclude them from doing so.

• Or the Steelers could let Sanders walk, and get New England 3rd round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

Losing Sanders would be a blow to the Steelers, virtually forcing them to take a wide receiver early in the draft. Sanders has shown himself to be an capable, if not quiet yet consistent receiver. He has also had injury issues.

As of 11:54 eastern time on Friday March 16th, neither the Post Gazette, nor Tribune Review, nor ESPN.com are reporting that Sanders has an offer.

However, Behind the Steel Curtain (full disclosure, I also write for BTSC) is reporting that the Sanders signing has been reported by “multiple sources” and that the offer is pending a physical, which is why it is not official.

Moreover, BTSC reports that a source inside the Steelers front office indicates that Sanders will be allowed to walk should the offer materialize.

Thanks for visiting. Click here for the rest of Steel Curtain Rising or here to see our Steelers 2013 Free Agent Focus.