The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Emmanuel Sanders with the 82nd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was a gifted wideout from SMU, who in 2010, ran a 4.4 40-yard dash and was considered a slightly undervalued speed merchant. He kicked off Kevin Colbert’s unprecedented run of drafting mid to late round wide receiver gems. Sanders struggled against the man that was picked 113 picks after him in the same draft for playing time for the Black and Gold, and ultimately had to leave the Steelers to get a full-time opportunity. But those factors enhanced Colbert’s legend, not diminished them.
Sanders flashed improvement in year three with the Steelers in 2012 and followed that with seemingly cementing himself as the number two receiver in Pittsburgh in 2013, his fourth season having 67 catches and 740 yards. The Steelers were only 8-8, but Le'Veon Bell’s rookie campaign revealed that an Antonio Brown-Sanders-Bell trio would be a formidable combination going forward. Sanders had other plans and decided he was not a number two receiver and would not play second fiddle to draft mate Brown. He departed for the Denver Broncos and proceeded to have a three-year run of 1,000-yard seasons.
Antonio Brown (left) and Emmanuel Sanders (right). | Doug Benz/Associated Press
He never got over his time in Pittsburgh. Sanders was not shy about criticizing Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers for not choosing him over Brown. Sanders famously called Peyton Manning a “far better leader” than Roethlisberger, but insisted he was misquoted. He claimed his full thoughts in context were more about praising Manning than being critical of Roethlisberger, but the damage was done.
Possible Return to Pittsburgh
“I would love that, but me and Ben don’t have the best relationship. I believe bridge is burnt,” Sanders told Ed Bouchette of The Athletic.
When Sanders became a free agent in 2020, he hinted he was open to returning to the Steelers, but did not think that the door was open. He instead signed in New Orleans and turned in a 60-catch year on a one-year stint with Drew Brees, though he missed significant time with injuries. In 2021, he played for Buffalo, but it is clear that at 35, Sanders is closer to the end than the beginning. He has indicated however, that he wants to return for the 2022 season.
The Roethlisberger farewell tour is over, and Colbert is imminently retiring as the Steelers are nearing the selection of a new general manager. Very few players the Steelers have drafted in the Super Bowl era have their best years outside of Pittsburgh. The Steelers projected starting offense is very young and the wide receiver room is the youngest group on the team. Sanders witnessed firsthand how important Hines Ward was to a 12-4 team in 2011 that had passed him by. Ward mentored Mike Wallace, and Brown and Sanders went on to solid professional careers.
(Photo by Damian Strohmeyer /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
The Steelers in the Super Bowl era have done an outstanding job, finding mentors within position groups to ensure that the Steeler Way is not only understood, but followed. Sanders could provide a valuable resource for Pittsburgh in mentoring this immature group. He would not just be an extra steady voice in the receiver room. Sanders could initially fill a key role on 3rd downs for whoever the Steelers go with at quarterback, providing a veteran target who has played in countless big games and still can get open. He has a penchant for big catches, and they do not have to worry about any moment being too big for him.
If the 2022 season progresses like we all hope it will, Sanders can gracefully give ground to younger faster players who have learned at his feet like Ward in 2011 and end his career knowing that a team that would value his experience and insight is better off for having him in the Black and Gold. The Steelers take care of their own and no fanbase treats their retired heroes better than Steeler Nation. Allowing Sanders a chance to end his career where it began, with maybe a big catch or two in a playoff run, would not only be nice redemption arc story, but it would also be the Steeler Way.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Please comment below or follow me on Twitter @thebubbasq.
