NFL Free Agency Rumors: Mike Wallace to Dolphins reportedly done deal
By Matt Shetler
NFL free agents can’t officially sign contracts until Tuesday at 4 p.m., but it looks like Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace already has his mind made up.
It has been rumored over the weeks that the Miami Dolphins would be willing to spend big money to land Wallace and by all indications, Wallace will follow the money to sunny Miami.
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs after a catch against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Volin of The Palm Beach Post has reported that Wallace to the Dolphins is all but a done deal.
"“Now we’ll add our own two cents: We hear from someone we trust that it’s a “done deal” that Wallace will be signing with Miami'” writes Volin."
That opinion has been backed by others as well, including Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, who wrote:
"“Miami didn’t have much, if any, competition for a big-money deal ($11 million or more a year) for wide receiver Mike Wallace.”"
Wallace is looking to cash in on a big contract and his options are limited, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted on Monday mornings SportsCenter. Schefter said that teams don’t have a lot of money to spend and Wallace would likely be the only free agent in this class to get a deal of over $10 million per season.
While the loss of Wallace certainly hurts the Steelers, the Dolphins are a team that desperately needs the speedster. Miami has instantly upgraded their passing game for young quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Adding Wallace to the mix with the recently re-signed Brain Hartline should give Tannehill some weapons, although all signs point to running back Reggie Bush not re-signing with the Dolphins.
As for the Steelers, it will be almost next to impossible to replace Wallace’s production in the short-term.
Steelers’ fans may not have liked Wallace, but they will certainly miss him whether they want to admit so or not.