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Saturday, March 16, 2013

No movement on Sanders

Emmanuel Sanders has not received, nor has he signed, an offer sheet from the New England Patriots.

It could be forthcoming in the coming days, but at this point, he remains property of the Steelers.

New England did release starting wideout Brandon Lloyd on Saturday rather than pay him a $3 million roster bonus, so the Patriots, who have already lost Wes Welker, do have something of a need at the position, though they have signed Donald Jones and Jeremy Amendola.

Jones, however, is something of a China doll, so the Patriots could still be looking for more help there.

But even if the Steelers were to lose Sanders, is it that big of a deal?

Certainly, he's No. 2 on the depth chart right now behind Antonio Brown, and he's a promising young receiver, but he's also one who has played in 16 games just once in three seasons while playing in a limited role.

You could make the argument that the Steelers might be better served if he does sign with New England and they receive a third-round pick in return.

That would also clear $1.323 million in cap space for Pittsburgh, which could then sign another receiver or go hard after another free agent, let's say Victor Butler, as a possible replacement for James Harrison.

With four picks in the first three rounds of the draft, the Steelers could then do what they did in 2010 when they selected Sanders in the third round and Antonio Brown in the sixth.

Given that there are a good number of solid mid-round receiver prospects available in this draft, it wouldn't be the worst thing to happen.

And the Steelers still have Jerricho Cotchery and Plaxico Burress to help out with the passing game this season if the young guys aren't quite ready.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Going hard for Victor Butler" doesn't sound like much of a consolation.

Anonymous said...

No, I suppose in isolation it isn't a big deal, in a Black Knight 'tis but a scratch' sortable way. But next thing you know, your but a torso. And a set of teeth.

Steve-O said...

I may get my wish and the Steelers will be forced to draft Cordarelle Patterson or Tavon Austin. Either one would scare the bejesus out of opposing defenses!

Dale Lolley said...

I'd rather have Austin. If they were to lose Sanders, they'd need a slot guy anyway.

Steve-O said...

Given the type of offense Haley is running I think Austin would be the more logical choice but I don't think you can go wrong with either. I'm rarely smitten with wide receivers in the draft but I really get the sense these guys are going to be home run hitters for whatever team is lucky enough to draft them. Austin appears to be on the Rams' radar and I think they'll pounce at 16 if they sense the Steelers will take him so if its Patterson I'm good with that too, he'll just take a little more polishing.

Anonymous said...

Patterson is going to need a LOT more polishing.

Further ahead to wait a round and take Justin Hunter if they want a UT wideout. He's a better WR anyway.

Steve-O said...

I agree that Justin Hunter is a safer pick but he's less dynamic than Patterson who can also return punts/kickoffs. I think you could work Patterson into the slot early and eventually move him to the outside. He excells after the catch and in some ways reminds me of Barry Sanders with his change of direction and body control. He's a matchup nightmare and has the potential to break it big every time he touches the ball.

Joe Jones said...

how about this 5 round Mock, Dale?

1. Cordarelle Patterson WR
2. Jonathan Hankins NT
3. Alex Okafor OLB
4. Mike Gillislee RB
5. Baccari Rambo FS

Dale Lolley said...

Don't like Okafor as an outside linebacker and I'm not a big Rambo fan in general.
Like some other Stallone movies, though

Patrick said...

has anybody watched Victor Butler play? Closely?

Some sites make him seem like the next Harrison and other people seem down on him? I assume the truth lies somewhere in between, but does anybody watch Cowboys games on the regular and have an idea on the promise he has?

Anonymous said...

He's certainly NOT Dumerville!

Joe Jones said...

Dale I was hoping some time soon you could get some inside info on Ahmad Bradshaw and Elvis Dumerville.

Anonymous said...

Bradshaw, if healthy, NEEDS to happen. Perfect fit for a ZBS. Excellent vision, short and can get small, has nice power for his frame. Nice blocker/receiver too.

They aren't finding a better one-cut runner that can help them immediately in this draft class/FA crop. It's all about his feet though. If they think he can give them 12-13 games....they need to get it done.

Joe Jones said...

Our defense can only go from good to better.

On the offensive side of the ball we are just plain bad at the skill positions.

We could go from Dwyer/Redman to them backing up Bradshaw.

At wideout, a core that features X Brown Y Burress Z Sanders
could become X Brown Y Cordarelle/Allen
Z Sanders

We finally have an O-line though.

Pistol said...

Dale,

Do you think Werner could play OLB in their system?? He reminds me of a Woodley a and could b there when they pick.

Dale Lolley said...

I see Woodley when I look at Werner as well. I don't think he could drop into coverage at all. I don't see much change of direction there.

I can only see Bradshaw happening if he would be willing to take a one-year prove-it deal. He's been so banged up throughout his career. Not so sure they can't do better in the draft with a kid.

Pistol said...

ill live w him sucking at coverage to get him. Kid can bring it and get to the QB!! Doesnt need a blitz to get there either.

Joe Jones said...

They could do better in this yea'rs draft with a top-60 pick on a RB.

But that would be foolish unless Lacey is there rnd 2 (unlikely).

Best bet at RB would be a swingback mid-rounds to push Batch off the roster.

If we can carry 4 backs last year, we certainly could carry Bradshaw/Wells and another "Rainey-type".

This could hold us over for a better RB in '14.