Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh Steelers talking long-term deal
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked some people when they matched the New England Patriots’ offer sheet to restricted free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders even though he looked to be a guy that they would be unlikely to sign to a long-term extension.
However that doesn’t appear to be the case for the cash-strapped Steelers, as it seems they are trying to lock Sanders up to an extension before training camp begins.
Nov 4, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (88) prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
The fourth-year wide receiver told 93.7 The Fan last week that after matching his one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet from the Patriots, the Steelers have opened talks with Sanders about a new contract.
"“Of course, and those conversations are going on right now,” said Sanders, who insists he never stopped thinking about himself as a member of the Steelers even though he could just as easy be wearing a Patriots uniform right now.“The whole time I was thinking, I’m still a Pittsburgh Steeler, I was still out here in Pittsburgh,” Sanders said. “It definitely came down to the wire around about (that) four o’clock, five o’clock area (on the April 14 deadline). I really started thinking like, ‘OK, maybe they won’t match the tender, I’ve got to be out in New England tomorrow, so should I start packing? Should I not start packing?’ “"
It can be debated whether or not Sanders is worth signing to an extension, but the organization almost has to sign him now after matching and not taking the Patriots third-round pick in exchange for letting him walk.
If they weren’t going to take that compensation, they almost certainly can’t let him walk for nothing.
Losing Sanders would leave quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with only Antonio Brown and a handful of projects to throw to. The quarterback lobbied the Steelers to re-sign Sanders, and his voice was heard.
Now it’s up to Sanders to show he is worthy of an extension.
With Mike Wallace no longer in the picture, he will be given every opportunity to do exactly that.
Now we will see if his play can do the talking for him as that will be the most effective negotiating tool he has.