When Miami Dolphins’ wide receiver Mike Wallace walked off the field in last season’s finale and stayed on the bench for the rest of the game, there was little doubt that would be the last time Wallace would be seen in a Dolphins uniform. Although the speedster did not live up to the mighty contract he signed, Wallace was productive enough to leave a hole in the Dolphins’ receiver core. Enter former New Orleans Saints‘ wideout Kenny Stills.

The Dolphins sent underachieving linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and a third-round pick in this year’s draft to the Saints for their former fifth round draftee. Stills is five years younger than Wallace and whole lot cheaper. That is already a win for Miami. For it to be a complete victory, though, Stills will have to settle into a starting receiver spot for the Dolphins and stay valuable for many seasons.

Starting opposite of Stills will be veteran newcomer Greg Jennings. Sophomore superstar-in-waiting Jarvis Landry will set up in the slot. Stills’ job will be to stretch the field and allow Jennings to enjoy some one-on-one coverage and Landry to get open underneath. The former Oklahoma Sooner had 63 catches for 931 yards and three touchdowns last year so he is definitely capable of becoming Miami’s No. 1 pass catcher.

One huge difference for Stills this season will be that he will be catching balls from fourth-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill instead of future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. The Saints’ slinger has a knack for making ordinary receivers wonderful. Tannehill, meanwhile, helped drive Wallace out of Miami with his inability to connect on deep passes. It is crucial for Tannehill and Stills to spend a lot of time bonding with each other on the field in training camp.

There were some people close to the Saints who complained that Stills was a little petulant at times last season. That is something Miami cannot afford to put up with, especially after jettisoning Wallace. Hopefully, the presence of Jennings in the receiver’s room will straighten Stills out if needed. A more vocal Tannehill will be helpful as well.

It will be unfair if Dolphins fans equate Stills’ output to what Wallace does all season. Wallace is a former All Pro, while the third-year player Stills is just ready to hit his stride. What will be comparable is how the former Sooner fits as the main cog of what looks to be a formidable receiver group. If Stills can be the combination of a leader in the locker room as well as a touchdown maker on the field, then that will be something Wallace never was able to accomplish.