Mike Wallace, restricted free agent. Any interest?

[Sports Guy]

I hope he doesn't end up in NE...same with VJack and to a lesser extent, Colston.

Cinci is a real possibilty as well.

[Miller192]

I don't see any way this works for the Ravens.

Sure they could make it fit, but they have to structure a cap ugly deal to make it tough for Pittsburgh to match.

I just don't see them doing that.

Pittsburgh is in tough shape cap wise but they've already freed up 15MM. They can make it work if they want to.

[primetime]

So, Vincent Jackson seems to fit that mold.

I think I would consider taking a stab at Steve Johnson, but it all depends on cost

Steve Johnson is a bit more in the Torrey Smith mold. He's not a guy that's a real physical mismatch for CBs, he's more of speed/vertical route guy.

Vincent Jackson has a little too much diva in him for me. At least he comes across that way. Physically though, he's exactly what we need.

If you want to see what Cam's offense can be, the Chargers are a perfect place to look. If we can add a big target that can go get the jump ball down the sidelines, this offense will easily be top 10 in the league next year.

[paulcoates]

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are willing to let restricted free agent Mike Wallace test the open market.

The Steelers will reportedly place a first-round restricted tender on Wallace and "see what develops." If he "signs a contract and they deem it too high," they will apparently take the first-round compensation instead of matching. Once unthinkable, it's now very possible the Steelers will let their 25-year-old No. 1 receiver walk instead of digging themselves into an even deeper salary-cap hole. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Feb 21 - 9:52 AM

[Miller192]

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are willing to let restricted free agent Mike Wallace test the open market.

The Steelers will reportedly place a first-round restricted tender on Wallace and "see what develops." If he "signs a contract and they deem it too high," they will apparently take the first-round compensation instead of matching. Once unthinkable, it's now very possible the Steelers will let their 25-year-old No. 1 receiver walk instead of digging themselves into an even deeper salary-cap hole. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Feb 21 - 9:52 AM

I think it's pretty likely that some team is going to give him an offer sheet that is going to be just outside of Pittsburgh's reach but the Steelers have plenty of cards to play here.

I could see them extending him on a low salary deal this year and then giving him a roster bonus next season. They could also give him a 2 year deal but just guarantee the first year and rework it after the season.

There's options for the Steelers to make it work if they want to but it's going to come with some roster indigestion.

[paulcoates]

I think it's pretty likely that some team is going to give him an offer sheet that is going to be just outside of Pittsburgh's reach but the Steelers have plenty of cards to play here.

I could see them extending him on a low salary deal this year and then giving him a roster bonus next season. They could also give him a 2 year deal but just guarantee the first year and rework it after the season.

There's options for the Steelers to make it work if they want to but it's going to come with some roster indigestion.

I'd say it is fairly obvious we are going to end up with a veteran WR in camp. It would be nice if it were Wallace (at least for me), however, as long as he ends up somewhere besides Cincy or Pgh, this will be a good development for the Ravens. The Steelers offense right now has no true identity

[paulcoates]

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nf...er-market?pg=3

Restricted Free Agent Wide Receivers

1. Mike Wallace, Steelers

Scouting Report: A third-round steal in the 2009 draft, Wallace quickly passed Limas Sweed to be Pittsburgh's No. 3 receiver as a rookie. The Steelers felt comfortable trading Santonio Holmes during the 2010 offseason, primarily because of Wallace's emergence, and he's led the team in receiving two straight years. While Wallace is sometimes billed as a straight-line speedster, his ability to take the top off a defense opens things up for other players. Wallace has been durable for his size (6'0/199) and has yet to miss a game due to injury. He's averaging 18.7 yards per career reception with 24 TDs. In 34 starts, Wallace has averaged 78 yards per game. Only eight NFL wide receivers had more first-down catches in 2011. Wallace ran a 4.33 forty time at the 2009 Combine, also demonstrating explosion with a vertical leap of 40 inches and 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump. Not yet 26 years old, Wallace is the most dynamic deep threat in the AFC.

Availability: The new CBA prevents restricted free agents from receiving the old first- and third-round tender, a once-prohibitive tag for interested teams. The highest tender is now a first-round only designation, requiring clubs in pursuit to surrender a top-32 draft pick if they propose an offer sheet the restricted free agent's current team cannot match. In other words, Wallace can be acquired for a first-round pick and contract the Steelers decline to pay. Pittsburgh is strapped for salary cap space and may balk at any contract proposal that contains a large first-year roster bonus. As a top-ten NFL receiver, Wallace is well worth the money and draft choice.

Prediction: Ravens on a five-year, $47.5 million contract.


ALSO
Other Wide Receiver Release Candidates: Anquan Boldin (if Ravens pursue Wallace), Mike Williams (Seattle), Devery Henderson, Donald Driver, Jacoby Jones, Michael Jenkins, Ben Obomanu.

[JohnnyK27]

Ravens wont give up their #1 and then give top dollar ...Not happening ...No chance Nada Zippo !

Its just not their style...Besides they have plenty of real needs.

[paulcoates]

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nf...er-market?pg=3

Restricted Free Agent Wide Receivers

1. Mike Wallace, Steelers

Scouting Report: A third-round steal in the 2009 draft, Wallace quickly passed Limas Sweed to be Pittsburgh's No. 3 receiver as a rookie. The Steelers felt comfortable trading Santonio Holmes during the 2010 offseason, primarily because of Wallace's emergence, and he's led the team in receiving two straight years. While Wallace is sometimes billed as a straight-line speedster, his ability to take the top off a defense opens things up for other players. Wallace has been durable for his size (6'0/199) and has yet to miss a game due to injury. He's averaging 18.7 yards per career reception with 24 TDs. In 34 starts, Wallace has averaged 78 yards per game. Only eight NFL wide receivers had more first-down catches in 2011. Wallace ran a 4.33 forty time at the 2009 Combine, also demonstrating explosion with a vertical leap of 40 inches and 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump. Not yet 26 years old, Wallace is the most dynamic deep threat in the AFC.

Availability: The new CBA prevents restricted free agents from receiving the old first- and third-round tender, a once-prohibitive tag for interested teams. The highest tender is now a first-round only designation, requiring clubs in pursuit to surrender a top-32 draft pick if they propose an offer sheet the restricted free agent's current team cannot match. In other words, Wallace can be acquired for a first-round pick and contract the Steelers decline to pay. Pittsburgh is strapped for salary cap space and may balk at any contract proposal that contains a large first-year roster bonus. As a top-ten NFL receiver, Wallace is well worth the money and draft choice.

Prediction: Ravens on a five-year, $47.5 million contract.


ALSO
Other Wide Receiver Release Candidates: Anquan Boldin (if Ravens pursue Wallace), Mike Williams (Seattle), Devery Henderson, Donald Driver, Jacoby Jones, Michael Jenkins, Ben Obomanu.

I'd be surprised if this happened. This is essentially trading Anquan Boldin and a first for Wallace and a large contract

[thundercleetz]

Mike Wallace was just interviewed on Sirius NFL Radio. Here are the highlights:

- He said his "heart is in Pittsburgh" but he needs to take care of his family first and wants to sign a long-term contract. Repeatedly mentioned he wants to stay in Pittsburgh but understands its a business
- His top priorities are: a long-term deal, going to a winning team, and playing with a proven QB. Wallace said he would not want to sign with a losing team.
- Adam Schein brought up New England and San Francisco as ideal fits, and told Mike the Pats would be the Super Bowl favorites with Mike. Mike thought both teams were a good fit and Super Bowl contenders
- Schein also asked Mike if Alex Smith would qualify as a proven QB. Mike said he likes Coach Harbaugh a lot, the "sky's the limit" for that team and likes how Harbaugh puts that offense in "good situations."
- Mike was completely blindsided by Arians (BA he called him) being fired. Really liked him. Wondered if something happened "behind the scenes." Said he has not spoken with Haley nor does he see it as important until his contract situation is cleared up.
- Got a little ticked when the hosts brought up his drought down the stretch of the season, challeneged "anyone to look at the film" with him.
- Wants to improve his short game and his YAC skills

And finally the last question asked...
- Mike laughed when asked if he would sign a contract with the Ravens. Said it would be difficult and would never want Steeler fans to hate him, but if that's what it took for him to take care of his family financially he would have to consider it

Schein stated from what it sounds like, if the Steelers cannot reach a deal with Wallace before the beginning of free agency, he's as good as gone. He kind of put words in Wallace's mouth, but Wallace seemed to agree with that statement.

[paulcoates]

Mike Wallace was just interviewed on Sirius NFL Radio. Here are the highlights:

- He said his "heart is in Pittsburgh" but he needs to take care of his family first and wants to sign a long-term contract. Repeatedly mentioned he wants to stay in Pittsburgh but understands its a business
- His top priorities are: a long-term deal, going to a winning team, and playing with a proven QB. Wallace said he would not want to sign with a losing team.
- Adam Schein brought up New England and San Francisco as ideal fits, and told Mike the Pats would be the Super Bowl favorites with Mike. Mike thought both teams were a good fit and Super Bowl contenders
- Schein also asked Mike if Alex Smith would qualify as a proven QB. Mike said he likes Coach Harbaugh a lot, the "sky's the limit" for that team and likes how Harbaugh puts that offense in "good situations."
- Mike was completely blindsided by Arians (BA he called him) being fired. Really liked him. Wondered if something happened "behind the scenes." Said he has not spoken with Haley nor does he see it as important until his contract situation is cleared up.
- Got a little ticked when the hosts brought up his drought down the stretch of the season, challeneged "anyone to look at the film" with him.
- Wants to improve his short game and his YAC skills

And finally the last question asked...
- Mike laughed when asked if he would sign a contract with the Ravens. Said it would be difficult and would never want Steeler fans to hate him, but if that's what it took for him to take care of his family financially he would have to consider it

Schein stated from what it sounds like, if the Steelers cannot reach a deal with Wallace before the beginning of free agency, he's as good as gone. He kind of put words in Wallace's mouth, but Wallace seemed to agree with that statement.

No doubt about it. This is going to be his one chance to get a big contract. He needs to capitalize on this opportunity and sign the best contract that s presented to him

[Pedro Cerrano]

Place me in the camp as someone who is EXTREMELY interested in Wallace.

Yes we have Boldin and Smith but Wallace would immediately be our best receiver. Can you imagine Wallace and Smith the burners on the outside with Boldin lining up in the slot? Great set of WR. Add in the fact that it would severely hurt our biggest rival and I think he's worth our 1st rounder. Especially when you consider where our first round picks generally are (would Pitt get this year's or next year's?).

Also, are poison pills still legal? Offer Wallace a boat load and put a clause in that he gets X more dollars if 1/2 his games are not played in the State of Maryland or something.

[paulcoates]

Place me in the camp as someone who is EXTREMELY interested in Wallace.

Yes we have Boldin and Smith but Wallace would immediately be our best receiver. Can you imagine Wallace and Smith the burners on the outside with Boldin lining up in the slot? Great set of WR. Add in the fact that it would severely hurt our biggest rival and I think he's worth our 1st rounder. Especially when you consider where our first round picks generally are (would Pitt get this year's or next year's?).

Also, are poison pills still legal? Offer Wallace a boat load and put a clause in that he gets X more dollars if 1/2 his games are not played in the State of Maryland or something.

Problem is, if we sign Wallace it likely means cutting Boldin

[Pedro Cerrano]

Problem is, if we sign Wallace it likely means cutting Boldin

Well Wallace is the better, younger WR so if that's what it takes...

I'd hate to lose Q, I think he's the consummate professional and has been a great asset to Baltimore, but the goal is to win a SB and the window is closing. Wallace puts us in a better position IMO.

Is there any way we could keep Q and make cuts elsewhere?

[paulcoates]

Well Wallace is the better, younger WR so if that's what it takes...

I'd hate to lose Q, I think he's the consummate professional and has been a great asset to Baltimore, but the goal is to win a SB and the window is closing. Wallace puts us in a better position IMO.

Is there any way we could keep Q and make cuts elsewhere?

If we sign Grubbs, the only way I see us getting enough money to do this is to restructure Reed and Lewis and I am not even sure that has been approached.