Steelers match Patriots' offer to WR Sanders

The Pittsburgh Steelers retained wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders by matching the New England Patriots' one-year, $2.5 million offer to the restricted free agent.

The Steelers had until Sunday to match the Patriots' offer or receive a third-round draft pick as compensation.

Sanders was a third-round pick in 2010 and has started eight of 40 regular-season games. He has 94 career receptions for 1,290 yards and five touchdowns, and set career highs last season with 44 catches for 626 yards and one touchdown.

His role in Pittsburgh's offense figures to increase next season with Mike Wallace leaving for the Miami Dolphins as a free agent.