Mike Wallace reportedly seeking more money than Dwayne Bowe
By Matt Shetler
In another sign that unrestricted free agent wide receiver Mike Wallace has played his final football in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform, it is being reported that Wallace is expected to be seeking a contract that exceeds the five-year, $56 million deal that Dwayne Bowe just recently signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
That’s not shocking news as Bowe’s deal will pay him an $11.2 million per season average and, which also includes $26 million in guaranteed money.
November 4, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
After turning down a deal with the Steelers prior to last season it was projected all along that it would take at least an average of $12 million per season for any team to ink Wallace.
What Bowe’s deal did was set the market for this year’s free agent wide receiver crop, which not only includes Wallace, but guys like Wes Welker, Greg Jennings, Danny Amendola and others.
The Miami Dolphins are one team that will reportedly chase Wallace and that’s fine for them because they are among the teams can afford to sign Wallace to a big contract right now.
Naturally the Steelers are not one of them.
It’s hard to fault Wallace for chasing the money, especially if someone is going to throw $12 million plus at him. But while teams can afford him now, it will get real expensive for them down the road.
You can make the case that Wallace isn’t worth the money that he will be getting, but there is no doubt he is still one of the best deep threats in the NFL and will help some team sure up their receiving core.
However if the writing wasn’t on the wall prior to Bowe signing his deal, it certainly is now.
You can officially say goodbye to Wallace. Some other team will now get to deal with the frustrations he brings along.