Steelers match offer sheet for Emmanuel Sanders, intend to open negotiations on long-term deal prior to camp

STEELERS MATCH OFFER SHEET FOR SANDERS

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially matched the offer sheet (1 year, $2.5 million) for Emmanuel Sanders and the fourth year receiver will be a Pittsburgh Steeler in 2013 and possibly beyond.

The Steelers struggled with the decision but view Sanders as potentially still being a long-term fixture with the team and the Steelers have informed Sanders agent Jordan Woy that they would like to have discussions about a long-term deal prior to training camp.

A driving force behind the Steelers matching was ownership who had serious concerns about the message not matching would have sent to the veterans on the team as the Steelers regard themselves as a win-now team.

Any new deal for Sanders has to count at least $2.5 million against the cap.