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Emmanuel Sanders expected to sign with Denver Broncos, separate report puts him in Kansas City Saturday night

When Sanders does sign elsewhere, he will become the second receiver to leave the Steelers in the last two seasons. Markus Wheaton is the presumed starter as the offseason continues.

Justin Edmonds
Update:

Baltimore Sun reporter Aaron Wilson wrote Saturday night Sanders is in Kansas City, and a deal has not yet been signed.

Wilson points out it's not refuting that Sanders will sign a contract with the Broncos, but sources say it has not happened yet.

Original story:

Of all the reports we've had of Emmanuel Sanders very publicly visiting teams all over the place, it may come as a surprise that he appears to be signing with one he hadn't been openly linked with. But considering just how many free agents the Denver Broncos have vacuumed up in this past week, maybe it isn't that surprising after all.

Sanders had 67 catches (on 112 targets) for 740 yards and six touchdowns for the Steelers last year (career highs on all counts) as he played on a one-year contract he initially signed with the New England Patriots as a restricted free agent.

The Steelers elected to match the $2.5 million tender offer, keeping Sanders in Pittsburgh. He performed fairly well in Pittsburgh's somewhat revamped passing offense - though split ends in Pittsburgh dating back to Nate Washington in 2006 typically average more than the 11 yards a catch Sanders had in 2013.

Sanders is the second Steelers receiver in two seasons to leave the team in free agency. Mike Wallace signed a 5-year, $60 million deal with the Miami Dolphins at the opening of free agency last year.

Sanders was a third-round draft pick by the Steelers out of SMU in 2010 (Antonio Brown was taken 113 picks later). Sanders battled injuries early in his career, missing eight games in his first two seasons. He was injured during the Steelers' Week 11 win over Detroit this past season, but didn't miss any games.