With the extension of Antonio Brown the Steelers will not give an extension to Mike Wallace according to Ed Bouchette. The Steelers have grown tired of Wallace and have moved their interest to the team. If Wallace is not going to receive an extension they could franchise him next season and keep him on the roster even if he does not want to be. Bouchette also believes that will not happen.
That means Wallace plays this season and then becomes a free agent or he is up for the highest bidder. I saw this coming months ago and thought the Steelers should have gotten rid of him around draft time. I would rather have Wallace on the team and would love to keep him here but greed was always going to come into play. Wallace asked for Fitzgerald money. There are only 3 players at the WR position who deserve that money. They are Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson. Wallace needs to realize what he is really worth and get a deal done.
If he does not want to then it is time to trade him for all he is worth. Get the best deal possible and move on. Wallace is not going to play hard this year without the money. He has shown that by his attitude. He is the one holding up the negotiations not his agent. This deal is not going to get done. It is time to get what you can for him and start the 2013 season fresh. The Steelers have won before with Hines Ward being the only name receiver on the team. They played with Cedric Wilson and Antwan Randle El and still won a title. The receivers they have now are better then that.
I do not know how this will play out but I just want what is best for the team. Wallace would be the best option but the money is not for the salary cap. We have replaced receivers before and moved on. Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes, Yancy Thigpen, you name and we have gotten past it. I am not a Wallace hater but a Steeler fan. I want what will help this team move forward. Receivers can be replaced. Get what you can and move forward.
Update: Wallace turned down 5 years and $50 million. If he isnt willing to take $10 million a year he is just greedy. Let him walk.
