UPDATED: Cotchery signs with Panthers

What the heck?  Now we are going to be thin at WR?

http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/5478/sanders-out-cotchery-to-visit-panthers

PITTSBURGH -- Emmanuel Sanders’ strange saga is over.

The three-year, $18 million contract that Sanders signed with the Broncos, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Josina Anderson, became official after he passed a physical on Sunday afternoon.

Medical concerns over his feet are why the former Steelers wide receiver didn’t sign a longer deal and, according to NFL.com, some teams were none too happy with the negotiating tactics of his agent, Steve Weinberg.

All in all, however, Sanders made out pretty well, getting a deal that averages $6 million per year and rewards him if he stays healthy. He will also get a chance to put up good numbers while playing with quarterback Peyton Manning in Denver’s pass-happy offense.

The Steelers have more pressing concerns than how Sanders’ situation played out since they have very little in the way of experience behind Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Brown.

It seemed like a no-brainer that the Steelers would re-sign Jerricho Cotchery, who caught a career-best 10 touchdown passes last season and has said he wants to return to Pittsburgh.

But Cotchery will visit the Panthers on Monday, a source confimed to ESPN.com, and Carolina is desperate for wide receivers.

I think this has been one of the most active years for Steelers FA, at least key ones, departing from the black and gold.

Confirming the fact that the NFL has created their money league where the biggest concern isn't truly about winning more championships and getting a fist full of gold, instead a fist full of dollars will do.

Lance Moore will visit with the Steelers: http://www.steelersxtreme.com/t5073-lance-moore-to-visit-steelers#72478

But I hope we keep Cotchery. At this stage in his career, I don't see Cotchery being an effective No. 2, but he's a proven No. 3. We know what he can do. I'd rather have a known commodity rather than bringing in an unknown (at least to us) like Moore.

Brown at 1, Wheaton at 2, Cotch at 3, Moye/Burress at 4. We have both of those guys, right?

Whyant5 wrote:

Brown at 1, Wheaton at 2, Cotch at 3, Moye/Burress at 4.   We have both of those guys, right?

I'd be surprised to see Burress on the roster next year. So if we lose Cotchery, that leaves us with Brown, Wheaton, and Moye from last year's roster. Plus, we still have Justin Brown, who showed a lot of potential. If we lose Cotchery, we're suddenly very thin and inexperienced at receiver.

I would be really sad if we lost Cotch.

I'd like to see Cotchery back in the black and gold. He accepted his role from day 1, and performed well in it. It'll be difficult to replace him (even if Moore signs) IMO, Moore would be a 2 guy, not a 3.

Whyant5 wrote:

Brown at 1, Wheaton at 2, Cotch at 3, Moye/Burress at 4.   We have both of those guys, right?

I like 1-2-&3 but I think Burress is old and it's over. i'd like to see what Weegie (I mean Moye) can do.

I've always liked Cotchery's hands and he is a reliable target, especially in the redzone. It would be foolish to let a guy like him go who has report with Ben and knows the system.

No deal with the Panthers yet.   

Quote :

Report: Cotchery leaves Panthers visit without deal

Cotchery left his meeting with Carolina on Tuesday without a contract, The Charlotte Observer reports. The 10-year veteran wide receiver will choose between the Panthers and Steelers.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000334456/article/report-cotchery-leaves-panthers-visit-without-deal

And there it is ...

Quote :

Jerricho Cotchery joins Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery has agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers, sources told ESPN.com on Thursday.

Terms were not immediately known.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10638992/carolina-panthers-add-veteran-wr-jerricho-cotchery

Ohhhhhhhh NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!   


What happened to his "I've always envied the Steelers while with the Jets" and "this organization and town blows me away"?????????????????

I really liked Cotch. He helped bring leadership and stability to the locker room. Well this just sucks.

There's no question that the Steelers wanted him to return, but the Panthers are in even worse shape than we are with receivers and were able to make him an offer he obviously couldn't refuse.

I'm with ya, Ginger ... disappointed. After his visit ended with no contract, I thought we had a good shot at re-signing him.