Wallace Wont Be Tagged Will Be Tendered

[In_ozzie_we_trust]

I am NOT applying the ravens go get him just spreading the news [img]http://www.profootball24x7.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png[/img]

The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to tender, not franchise, restricted free agent Mike Wallace, according to a source close to the wide receiver.

This means another team could try to sign Wallace to an offer sheet that the Steelers would have the right to match -- or get a first-round pick in return.

The highest qualifying offer for Wallace is about $2.75 million, nearly matching the amount that Pittsburgh is now under the salary cap. To franchise Wallace would cost Pittsburgh $9.5 million, which it currently does not have the salary-cap space to absorb.

At the scouting combine last week, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert sounded determined to keep Wallace.

"Having a great player like Mike Wallace is not a dilemma," Colbert said. "We're going to do everything we can to make sure that Mike Wallace remains a Pittsburgh Steeler and I think that's Mike's belief as well. Usually when you have two parties that share the same goal, it's easier to achieve that goal."

Wallace, however, acknowledged last week that he might not be playing for Pittsburgh this season.


2011 STATS

Rec72
Yds1193
TD8
Avg16.6
Long95
YAC493

"(Pittsburgh is) where I would like to be, but we all know that it is a business and you have certain things you have to handle," Wallace told SiriusXM NFL Radio. "So if I have to go elsewhere, you know Pittsburgh will always be in my heart, but I have to do what I have to do."

Wallace had 1,193 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2011 and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. The 25-year-old has led the Steelers in receiving touchdowns the past two seasons after tying for the team lead in his rookie season.

The Steelers drafted Wallace in the third round (84th overall) in 2009 out of Mississippi.

Adam Schefter is ESPN's NFL Insider. Information from The Associated Press was used in this

[JO_75]

Go get him Jim and bring Mike Wallace to the 49ers... With the 30th Pick the San Francisco 49ers select... Mike Wallace WR.

[GrimCoconut]

I actually believe the New England Patriots will make a serious run for him. He is exactly what they need and they have two 1st round picks. If anyone goes for him, it will be them. I don't see the Bengals doing it. Their owner is too cheap & they build primarily through the draft. I doubt they would want to give Pittsburgh two 1sts, too.

I see Wallace in Boston. Just a gut.

[Natty Boh]

I think that the highest 1st round pick that would be given up for Mike Wallace would be the 18th pick owned by the Chargers. I think the feeling is mutual between the Chargers and Vincent Jackson for him to leave San DIego. Mike Wallace would replace him nicely there..but they have other needs as well so it's far from a lock.

Then you have teams like the Bears and Titans that might have interest at 19 and 20 respectively. After that, it's down to the Ravens, the 49ers, and the Patriots at 29, 30, and 31 respectively. I'm not hoping for the Ravens to claim him nor do I think they are interested. The Patriots and 49ers both are very interesting teams for him to land with though.

So to summarize, I feel that the possible landing spots for Mike Wallace are the Chargers, Bears, Titans, 49ers, and the Patriots. Just a gut feeling if he goes anywhere. Not ground-breaking I know, but it's an opinion anyway.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Natty Boh' timestamp='1330665552' post='1009431']
I think that the highest 1st round pick that would be given up for Mike Wallace would be the 18th pick owned by the Chargers. I think the feeling is mutual between the Chargers and Vincent Jackson for him to leave San DIego. Mike Wallace would replace him nicely there..but they have other needs as well so it's far from a lock.

Then you have teams like the Bears and Titans that might have interest at 19 and 20 respectively. After that, it's down to the Ravens, the 49ers, and the Patriots at 29, 30, and 31 respectively. I'm not hoping for the Ravens to claim him nor do I think they are interested. The Patriots and 49ers both are very interesting teams for him to land with though.

So to summarize, I feel that the possible landing spots for Mike Wallace are the Chargers, Bears, Titans, 49ers, and the Patriots. Just a gut feeling if he goes anywhere. Not ground-breaking I know, but it's an opinion anyway.
[/quote]
I don't see the Chargers getting him. They need a DE, and I see them getting it in the 1st. Bears need a WR, but to surrender a 1st, especially where they pick, is a bit much. I think they just draft Michael Floyd or Wright at that point. The Titans need an O-linemen, so they will stay put. 49ers could do it, but I believe they would value their pick too much. Patriots are aggressive & aren't afraid to surrender the pick. I still see them as the most logical team to get him.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1330666449' post='1009440']
I don't see the Chargers getting him. They need a DE, and I see them getting it in the 1st. Bears need a WR, but to surrender a 1st, especially where they pick, is a bit much. I think they just draft[b] Michael Floyd or Wright at that point[/b]. The Titans need an O-linemen, so they will stay put. 49ers could do it, but I believe they would value their pick too much. Patriots are aggressive & aren't afraid to surrender the pick. I still see them as the most logical team to get him.
[/quote]

You think they'd choose an unproven rookie over a guy who's caught 130 balls for 2400 yards and 18 TDs the last 2 seasons? I don't know, I'd take Wallace - especially considering the competition he's faced - the Ravens with Lardarius Webb, the Bengals with JJ and Hall, the emergence of Joe Haden, etc. He's faced top talent his whole career, so guys like Woodson and Tillman shouldn't bother him too much. If I were the Bears, I'd jump at the chance to get him - he'll only be 26 and is entering the prime of his NFL career - he could be a force in Chicago with Cutler for most of this decade.

I agree with the others - Wallace doesn't really fit the Chargers, they prefer bigger guys who fit the system over who is the most talented. The Titans have Britt, they don't need to spend big money for a number 1 guy, and the 49ers might do it. The Patriots could probably use Wallace in ways nobody else could ever think of and having two number 1 picks, they make the most sense. But I still think the Bears would strongly consider Wallace if it would only cost them a first-round pick - for all we know, Floyd or Wright could be total busts, which is highly, highly unlikely, or more likely, it will take them a few seasons to iron out mistakes and understand the pro game - like I said, Wallace right now is entering the prime of his career. I'd consider Wallace to the Ravens if I didn't think that Cam would misuse him and that the offensive line needs help.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1330707806' post='1009716']


You think they'd choose an unproven rookie over a guy who's caught 130 balls for 2400 yards and 18 TDs the last 2 seasons? I don't know, I'd take Wallace - especially considering the competition he's faced - the Ravens with Lardarius Webb, the Bengals with JJ and Hall, the emergence of Joe Haden, etc. He's faced top talent his whole career, so guys like Woodson and Tillman shouldn't bother him too much. If I were the Bears, I'd jump at the chance to get him - he'll only be 26 and is entering the prime of his NFL career - he could be a force in Chicago with Cutler for most of this decade.

I agree with the others - Wallace doesn't really fit the Chargers, they prefer bigger guys who fit the system over who is the most talented. The Titans have Britt, they don't need to spend big money for a number 1 guy, and the 49ers might do it. The Patriots could probably use Wallace in ways nobody else could ever think of and having two number 1 picks, they make the most sense. But I still think the Bears would strongly consider Wallace if it would only cost them a first-round pick - for all we know, Floyd or Wright could be total busts, which is highly, highly unlikely, or more likely, it will take them a few seasons to iron out mistakes and understand the pro game - like I said, Wallace right now is entering the prime of his career. I'd consider Wallace to the Ravens if I didn't think that Cam would misuse him and that the offensive line needs help.
[/quote]
Truthfully, you make a solid argument that I didn't really consider. From what you said, I could see them make a play for Wallace. I just am not convinced they do it. Because of where they pick, I just see them going after one of them in the draft. With that said, I have to admit the idea of getting Wallace would be tempting, because there is no guarantee Floyd or Wright will be there. I believe it's highly likely they will, but there is no guarantee.

After this, I concur that the two most likely teams to seek Wallace are the Bears & Patriots.

[arnie_uk]

[url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/45475-merged-mike-wallace/"]Wallace thread 1[/url][url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/45513-mike-wallace-to-the-bengals/"]

Wallace thread 2[/url]