The Facts: Sanders, a restricted free agent, is making a rare RFA visit on Friday to the Patriots. If the Patriots signed him to an offer sheet, the Steelers would have seven days to match. If they chose not, the Patriots would send a third-round pick to Pittsburgh.

Diehards Line: Restricted free agents rarely change teams these days, but the Patriots could use some of their cap room to make a front-loaded offer which the Steelers find it tough to match. The Steelers let go of Mike Wallace in free agency in part because they knew they had Antonio Brown and Sanders in place. That plan might not work out if the Patriots decide to get in the way. Sanders could join the rebuilt Patriots wide receiver group alongside new signees Danny Amendola and Donald Jones. Sanders has an ability to get deep and would add some necessary speed to the receiver position. ... According to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal, New England's interest does not bode well for the future of Brandon Lloyd. The Patriots have to make a decision in the next week whether to give Lloyd his roster bonus or cut him loose. ... Stay tuned.