Steelers tender offers to 4 restricted free agents

Created on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 09:55 Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 09:55 Published on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 09:55 Written by Associated Press Hits: 449

SHOPPING—In this October 2012, photo, Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) hauls in a catch for a touchdown as Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty defends during a game in Nashville, Tenn. On Tuesday, with all 32 teams under the $123 million salary cap, the checkbooks open up. Some clubs, most notably Green Bay and Pittsburgh, barely will participate, while likely letting top receivers Greg Jennings and Wallace leave for huge paydays elsewhere. That’s just their style, and building from within surely has paid off: each team has won a Super Bowl in the last five seasons. (AP Photo/Joe Howell, File)

PITTSBURGH (AP)—The Pittsburgh Steelers have tendered offers to four restricted free agents, including running backs Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman.
The Steelers also made qualifying offers to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and nose tackle Steve McLendon. The offers give the Steelers the right to match any offer sheet the players may receive from other teams during free agency.
All four are expected to remain in Pittsburgh. Dwyer and Redman will likely battle for the starting running back spot next season. Veteran running back Rashard Mendenhall, a free agent, will almost certainly not return to the Steelers. Dwyer and Redman combined for 1,033 yards rushing and four touchdowns in 2012 but struggled staying healthy.
Sanders will move to the team’s No. 2 receiving spot if free agent Mike Wallace leaves.