The Sports Monitor

Emmanuel Sanders is still a Pittsburgh Steeler. And Steeler Nation can relax until the draft. Long-term, this wasn't the best move for the Steelers. A third-round pick could have been better for the team. Especially when Sanders likely will leave next season as a free agent. But I get why the Steelers did it. They have a franchise quarterback and need to try to win now. Those type of moves have a way of coming back to haunt a franchise. But Ben Roethlisberger should be happy he still has one of his targets coming back. In the meantime, the Steelers are up against the salary cap searching for some players to make impact.

There's still about two days for this to officially play out, but the Pittsburgh Steelers shouldn't be wasting any more time deciding the fate of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Tell him they won't match the offer by the New England Patriots and take their third-round pick. Sanders is a fine receiver, but I don't expect much more from him in the Steelers' offense. Sanders' stock didn't rise until the Patriots showed interest. Now, people want to make Sanders out as an indispensable part of the offense. He can be replaced. The Steelers need the cap room and they need the draft pick. They don't need Sanders as much. Give Kevin Colbert and staff some credit. They know what they're doing. Let's look at the team after the draft and see who else they sign as free agents.

Former Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress will be released from jail in a couple days. That doesn't mean the Steelers should actively pursue Burress once he's free and a deal between the players and owners happens. I've seen it before. Burress, as talented as he may be, also is wildly inconsistent. He'll also be 34 years old when a season eventually begins, not exactly his prime as a football player. Those are just two reasons why. And I'll give you three more: Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. Those are three young receivers I'm impressed with. Wallace's contributions have been evident. Sanders and Brown have a bright future in front of them. Then there's that guy who can dance a little, Hines Ward. The Steelers are fine at receiver. There's no need for Burress to return.