Source: Emmanuel Sanders injury history holding him down in free agency

ESPN's Scott Brown reported Friday a source told ESPN potential free agent suitors are turned off by a foot injury and potential problems that come with it suffered by Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in Super Bowl XLV.

Sanders went down during the Steelers' 31-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers after making two catches for 17 yards. He performed excellently throughout the playoffs that year, finishing with 13 targets in basically two and a half games as a rookie.

Brown wrote the door isn't closed on a return to Pittsburgh, either.

The Steelers are open to the possibility of bringing back Sanders, but he might have to accept a shorter-term contract and less money than he is seeking to return to Pittsburgh or sign with another team.

He suffered another foot injury in Pittsburgh's Week 11 win over the Detroit Lions.

Injuries plagued Sanders early in his career, but he played in all 32 of the Steelers' games the last two seasons. He visited with the Kansas City Chiefs Friday and is visiting with the San Francisco 49ers Saturday.