Patriots Extend Offer Sheet to Steelers’ WR Sanders

November 18, 2012; Pittsburgh , PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (88) catches a pass as he is hit by Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed (20) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won the game, 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a bit on non-Ravens news that has a huge impact on the Ravens.

The Patriots have extended an offer sheet to Steelers RFA WR Emmanuel Sanders. The offer sheet is 1 year worth 2.5 million. The Steeler will have an opportunity to match or beat the offer, but with just 2 million in cap space, it will be difficult for them. Their only real chance to do it is to sign Sanders to a multi year contract with a super low 1st year cap hit, the problem with that is that the first year has to be worth at least 2.5 million. That means, even if his base salary is 1 million, he would have to have a 1.5 million or higher signing bonus for the Steelers to keep him. if the deal were a three year deal, that would make his 2013 cap number 1.5 million. that only leaves the Steelers with .5 million in cap space and they still have an entire rookie class to sign(including the 16th pick). The Steelers have 5 days to make an offer.

There is a very high possibility that Sanders is a Patriot next year.

Now, i am a bit torn on this one. on one hand, I like anything that takes a good player from the Steelers, but at the same time the Patriots are a much bigger threat in the AFC and I hate when they get better.