Emmanuel Sanders: 'I was flattered by New England Patriots interest'

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has admitted that he was flattered to receive attention from the New England Patriots in the off-season.

Bill Belichick's side signed the 26-year-old to an offer sheet as a restricted free agent earlier this year, which would have seen him move to New England for a third-round Draft pick if the Steelers did not match the offer.

However, Mike Tomlin matched the $2.5m (£1.5m) one-year offer to keep the receiver in Pittsburgh.

"It was pretty cool what took place not only the New England Patriots wanting me but the other teams that were also involved with the deal," Sanders told reporters.

"I work extremely hard and when Mike [Wallace] and Antonio [Brown] were here I was the number 3.

"I felt like I was hidden a little bit, but it felt good to know that other teams recognised my talents."

The Steelers face the Patriots on Sunday.