The New England Patriots, who have struggled to find a productive deep threat since trading away Randy Moss, have signed Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who is a restricted free agent, to a one-year offer sheet according to reports.
The Steelers have five days to match the offer for Sanders, but have less available money than New England. If the Steelers do not match it, they will receive a third-round draft choice from the Patriots, leaving them surprisingly thin in terms of picks in the upcoming draft. They dealt a fourth-rounder for cornerback Aqib Talib, who they re-signed this offseason, and a fifth-rounder for behemoth defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, and a sixth-rounder for Chad Ochocinco.
The Steelers have already lost top wide receiver Mike Wallace to the Miami Dolphins via free agency, and losing Sanders would mean their two fastest pass-catchers from a season ago will be playing elsewhere.
Sanders was a third-round pick in the 2010 draft by the Steelers. In 2012, he doubled his career-high in receptions, catching 44 passes for 626 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 39.1 yards receiving per game and a team-high14.2 yards per reception. His 44 catches ranked him fourth on the team, behind Pro Bowl tight end Heath Miller, Antonio Brown, and Wallace.
The Patriots are looking to add depth to quarterback Tom Brady's arsenal, after losing slot receiver Wes Welker to the Broncos and replacing him with the younger but less durable Danny Amendola. Star tight end Rob Gronkowski is still battling infections and complications from his second arm surgery as well, and Brandon Lloyd was released after a disappointing 2012 campaign in which he caught 74 passes for 911 yards and four scores.
If Sanders does become a Patriot, and the Steelers receive their third-rounder, New England will be left with their first and second picks as well as two seventh-round choices.
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