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Steelers sign WR Lance Moore

Lance Moore signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, effectively replacing Jerricho Cotchery, the veteran slot receiver who left in free agency to join the Carolina Panthers.

Moore, 30, was released by the Saints last month. He was scheduled to make $3.8 million in 2014, including a $500,000 roster bonus.

The Saints saved more than $2.5 million against the salary cap by releasing Moore.

The Saints were pinched for salary cap space after designating tight end Jimmy Graham as their franchise player and making a restricted free agent tender to safety Rafael Bush.

Moore was with the Saints since joining the practice squad in 2005 -- a longer tenure than anyone else on the roster. He ranks in the top five in franchise history with 346 catches and 38 touchdown receptions. He also has 4,281 receiving yards.

After his first 1,000-yard season in 2012, he was limited to 37 receptions for 457 yards with two touchdowns last year. A hand injury caused him to miss three weeks early in the season.

The Steelers are high on second-year wide receiver Markus Wheaton, a 2013 third-round draft pick who contributed little last season because of injuries. Wheaton is expected to slide into the starting lineup to replace Emmanuel Sanders, who joined the Broncos with a three-year, $15 million deal in free agency.